HOUSEWIFE Lynn Lockyear acted quickly when she identified a new niche market.

Three months ago she made a trip to Lincoln in order to transport her daughter-in-law and her two large dogs to their local veterinary surgery.

The fact that local taxis would not transport them gave Lynn an idea.

Back home in Warbreck Close, Bolton, she started the process which has led to the formation of Lynn's Pet Taxi Service.

She has found that there are many pensioners and people with disabilities who have animals and find the service beneficial.

"Having been in business now for some eight weeks I have started to be recognised by all the local vets in the area," she said today.

"I would like to thank them for allowing me to put posters in their surgeries to help promote my business."

Lynn was helped by the business enterprise system to obtain advice on matters such as advertising, customer care, selling skills, book-keeping, marketing and computers in business.

She also received financial assistance on the "Headstart" programme.

The seven-day service includes door-to-door collection.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.