A MOTHER of four with a flair for business and beauty is gearing up for her first venture after winning premises for a year rent-free.

Paula Wallace will launch Star Beauty tomorrow at In- Shops, in Bishop Auckland, with a day of demonstrations, free mulled wine and mince pies, special offers and a free prize draw to win £50 worth of beauty vouchers.

The 38-year-old, who is mum to Daniel 18, Jade, 12, Joseph, six, and Jack, three, gave up a career in the care industry to retrain as a beautician six years ago.

And after wowing judges in a competition run by In- Shops, Mrs Wallace has now opened Star Beauty, specialising in massage, nails, waxing, tanning and beauty treatments.

Mrs Wallace of Sherburn Hill, near Durham City, said: “When I found out I had won I was over the moon.”