A new business which opens in Diss this week will offer customers the chance to get creative with tailored courses in upholstery.

Diss School of Upholstery will operate out of Hales Yard in the town, running upholstery courses as well as a re-upholstery service.

The venture is a collaboration between Rachel Roullier, an events and marketing professional originally from London, and Mary Gibson, who has been offering courses in upholstery since 2009 from her former studio at Designermakers21 in Diss.

Mrs Gibson, 56, said: 'For me upholstery started as a hobby and went from strength to strength.

'Rachel came to do a course, one thing led to another and we decided to join forces and set up a business together.

'We're looking forward to offering something we believe is in demand.'

Miss Roullier, 50, said: 'Our focus is going to be on teaching upholstery through a programme of courses but we will also offer a bespoke upholstery service.'

The venture will offer a range of unique services which they hope will set them apart from other upholsters.

The business stocks a range of vintage fabrics as well fabric designed by Norfolk artists Annette Rolston and Mike Fenton, Izzi Rainey and a selection of artists represented by St Jude's of Norwich.

Miss Roullier, who lives in Eye, said: 'We have a good eye for choosing nice pieces of fabrics so customers can select their fabric for each individual piece of furniture.'

Mrs Gibson said: 'We are following our own passion for unique and stylish furniture and we take pride in doing what we love.'

The business, based at 3 Hales Yard, above Katie's Kitchen, will officially open on Thursday, November 26 from 4pm until 7pm.

Anyone attending will receive a 15pc discount on a single day workshop if booked before December 10, 2015.

Are you setting up a new business? Email kate.royall@archant.co.uk