A NEW business that has been set up in Verwood looks set to become a big hit with little girls and their mums.

Amanda's Party Girls has been started by Amanda McDonnell to provide dressing up parties for girls, and boys, in the child's home or at venues such as village halls and leisure centres.

She explained that she and her family had had a home in Verwood for five years, but her husband, Brendan, had worked in America for two years.

In Chicago she saw at first hand just how exciting children's parties could be.

"I did go to a party there and someone came to my house to do a party," she said.

"I thought to myself 'what a super idea' and 'I can do this'.

"We are getting more and more like America, so I am sure that the idea will be very popular.

"I have three children and the eldest, Aimee, who is five, is a real dress-up queen anything that's pink and sparkles and she loves it.

"The business works around my children because most parties are at weekends."

She said that she goes to the house or village hall and sets up the party beforehand.

"I have a stage and a red carpet, which makes a catwalk," she said.

"I then get all the dresses ready and the girls arrive and dress up there are glittery shoes, tiaras, wands and handbags, and they have their nails painted too.

"Then we have a fashion parade they walk down the catwalk, they get a clap, have their photo taken and get a treat bag."

She said she did have boys' costumes as well, such as a policeman, fireman and wizard, and is focusing on the Ringwood, Verwood, Ferndown and West Moors area.

"My husband is really excited that it's finally got off the ground," she said, "As he knows I've been wanting to do this for a long time.

"I am 30 and I remember 20 years ago you had a tea party and went home with a bit of cake there is much more entertainment now.

"Someone said to me 'why not dress up and go to the party as a fairy godmother?' but it's not about me, it's about the children.

"I have always worked in customer relations and this idea really captivated me it's great to be working with children.

"I call it a fantasy dress up party for your little princess the girls can dress up and do what they want."

For more information, email amandaspartygirls@yahoo.co.uk.