A WOMAN forced to give up a gardening career because of arthritis has launched an online gift service.

Debra Farrell launched two internet companies, magical creations.co.uk and ourmagi calday.co.uk, selling handmade gifts, wedding stationery and favours after a period of unemployment.

When she had to stop working as a garden designer because of arthritis, she turned to Be Enterprising for help to realise her ideas and a draft business plan so she could become self-employed.

Working with an enterprise coach and with funding towards materials and a kiln for firing clay for jewellery making, she launched the businesses earlier this year.

They are going from strength-to-strength and the 50-year-old now teaches craft workshops at her home, sells hand-crafted gifts and stationery online and at fairs and markets.