AN Appleton mum is celebrating after her business was named a winner at a national awards ceremony that celebrates flexible working mums.

Susan Kemp, 45, who owns and is an instructor of Appleton Baby Massage scooped the accolade for start-up business of the year at London's Mumandworking 2014 awards.

Personal assistant company Pink Spaghetti, co-owned by Thelwall-based Vicky Matthews, was also named a winner.

Former communications manager Susan, started running courses teaching baby massage and baby yoga to new parents last January.

She said: "I’m so delighted to have won. It gives me a huge sense of achievement and a real boost of confidence.

“I have built this business from scratch and my classes have been really popular with mums and dads.

"The activities are a real experience for everyone and it is about making the bonds with the families, that's what is special and I have even been invited to christenings!"

Courses are provided at Susan's home but she also runs additional classes at the Peace Centre in Great Sankey and Birchwood's Risley Day Nursery.

Susan added that the job was slightly different to her former role, though she is glad with the change of career.

"I love my job and its flexibility as it means I am around for my young daughter," she said.

"It requires slightly different skills as you can imagine.

"Doing the job is not just an activity, it is a real experience and is lovely to do.

"Some mums that are suffering from post-natal depression have also come along as it helps with that."

For information on classes visit http://www.appletonbabymassage.co.uk/ or call 07900 867933.