Shareen Hannan and Leanne Reeve have opened Little Peeps Gift Company in premises at 10 Tower Street in partnership with their mother Rosie Hannan.

They have been selling their products, aimed at mums, babies and toddlers, from home through their website since autumn 2006 and became so successful that they decided to find premises so that they could also deal directly with the public.

The sisters both have young children and share child care duties with serving in the shop.

"Being mothers ourselves gives us a good idea of what other mums are looking for," said Shareen.

"We sell quality products that are not easily found on the high street."

When the business was first set up they specialised in gift boxes for mainly corporate customers wanting to congratulate employees and clients on the birth of a new baby.

High-profile customers included the Gucci Group, in London.

They still make up the gift boxes but also sell products which include sleepsuits, skin-care products for mum and baby, hand-made fleece blankets, soft and wooden toys, bath toys and books. Some of the brands that they stock include Organics for Kids, Sigikid, and Jellycat and they are the only UK supplier for the Canadian Goober Baby ranges.

The shop is open from 9.30am to 4pm on weekdays and on Saturdays, but closed on Wednesdays.