A former journalist has celebrated a year in business after leaving the regional press to launch a home decor company.

Tilly Wilson has marked the first anniversary of the launch of Collecting Seashells, which offers furniture and decorative accessories as well as other products.

Tilly, pictured, worked for both the Dorset Echo and the Southern Daily Echo before deciding to change careers last year.

The 43-year-old handpicks her products by attending trade shows and sourcing others in the Hampshire area.

She told the Southampton-based Daily Echo: “Being able to see and touch the products is very beneficial as I only pick items I would put in my own home.

“You can find different people and their products in different places. There is a gap in the market, especially for us as we are a smaller business that gives a personal touch.

“There have been a lot of learning curves and tears, but when somebody sends you a photo of what they have bought, that validates all of the hard work.

“There have been lots of ups and downs, but I absolutely love it. I have got something I feel very passionate about to call my own.”