A businesswoman had spoken of her excitement at opening a new beauty salon in Woodford Green.

Beauty On The Mill, in Mill Lane, had its official opening this weekend.

Owner Claire Hurst, 31, said she decided to take the plunge with her own business after working 12 years in the industry.

She said: "I've always loved my work and I find it very rewarding when you see how pleased clients are.

"I really wanted to have the salon in Woodford Green because the area is very close to my heart. I grew up in Chigwell and now I live in Woodford Bridge.

"And it's a lovely little shop. It's quite quaint and a really nice place to work."

The salon offers a range of services including facials, massages, nail treatments, manicures, pedicures and a stand-up sunbed.

Ms Hurst has previously worked at various beauty salons and also worked freelance, including a stint at the Home Office in Westminster providing treatments to government workers.

She said her experiences travelling across south east Asia had also help teach her a variety of massage techniques.

Ms Hurst, of Love Lane in Woodford Bridge, added: "I'm really excited about it.

"Beauty on the Mill is going to be a place where people will be made to feel really welcome and comfortable, where clients can relax and have some quality time for themselves.

"I hope this is just the start, it would be amazing to expand and eventually have a chain of places, but you have to make sure you don't run before you can walk."