EVER struggled to get a pair of wellies to fit properly?

One businesswoman was so fed up seeing people hacking their wellies down the side to make them wider, that she decided to design her own.

In 2016 Verity Smith from Willaston launched The Wide Welly Company - and the Guardian this week teams up with the firm to offer five free pairs to readers.

"My objective was to develop welly boots with wider calves, which could comfortably fit thick socks and jeans," she said.

The company designs and retails the stylish and adjustable wellies from its HQ in Wirral.

Verity has spent the past few years developing the welly design, product specification and customer satisfaction and she works closely with her manufacturer to continually develop the product.

"I embrace all feedback and have a very loyal following," she said. "Some customers have been willing to do a two-and-a-half hour round trip to buy a pair in person."

Expandable up to a 52cm calf, the wellies are perfect for those who prefer extra width around the calf region whilst still requiring support around the ankle and a standard foot fitting.

Verity said: "It takes over 100 pairs of hands to make just one pair of wellies. The process involves such care and detail that one man uses his well-used notebook full of numbers and notes to make sure the correct amount of dye is weighed out and mixed with rubber to achieve the exact Pantone colour for each welly design."

Verity then carries out further checks before each pair of wellies is wrapped and dispatched to customers, with a personalised hand-written note of thanks.

The wellies are available in seven styles in sizes 4-10. Visit thewidewellycompany.co.uk for more details.

For your chance to win a pair of wellies worth £59 each from The Wide Welly Company, just tell us which year the company was set up. Email your answer along with your name, address and telephone number to carla.flynn@nqnw.co.uk. Closing date is Thursday, April 25 at 5pm. The first five names drawn at random will win. Winners will be able to choose their style and pattern. Usual Newsquest rules apply.