A FIRST-TIME mother has set up her own business to help other parents with ever-increasing childcare costs.

Mum-of-one Melissa Fletcher, 30, decided to set up her own Mum2Mum franchise after she gave birth to her daughter Minnie.

After watching business founder Cath Harrop on Dragons Den pitching her idea of selling nearly-new second hand children’s products to parents struggling with the mounting costs of a new baby, she decided she wanted to set up her own version in Wanstead.

Dr Fletcher, of Rookwood Avenue, Debden, said: “I was very surprised how expensive things were.

“I didn’t realise how many things were available to buy and all the little ‘extra’ things that I never even knew existed.

“We had to watch what we bought, and only buy what we felt was necessary or things on special offer.”

With just a few phone calls, Dr Fletcher set up her own Mum2Mum business for Wanstead in March this year, while her colleague Nicola Economou has just started her franchise for Woodford.

The mum-of-one, from Enfield, said: “I started running sales a year ago when my son was a year old, after discovering for myself how much money I could save on baby gear by buying preloved stuff.

“Mum2Mum markets are such a friendly environment and you get to chat to other parents, exchange stories.

“It’s great to see things being passed on for new families to enjoy.”

Mum2Mum markets are all run by local mothers looking to recycle pre-loved baby and children’s products to reduce costs.

People can also come to sell their own goods, with coaches on hand for those who have not worked in sales before.

The next Mum2Mum sales will take place on June 11 at The Drive Methodist Church in Ilford, June 18 at Theydon Bois Village Hall, July 9 at St Edmunds Centre in Chingford and July 23 at Wanstead United Reformed Church.

For more information email mel@mum2mummarket.co.uk or Nicole@mum2mummarket.co.uk.