DAYBREAK is leading to the dawn of a new era for a Cleveland mother who has turned her hobby into a full-time job.

Dawn Fearon, 35, from Marske, is at the helm of Daybreak Therapies and practices aromatherapy, reflexology and Indian head massage in a tranquil therapy room.

The mother-of-two said: "People are turning to complementary therapy more and more as a way of dealing with the stresses and strains of modern living.

"I have clients from all sorts of backgrounds and ages, some with busy professional jobs, some - not all - wanting to get the best out of life and to feel more relaxed and able to cope."

Ms Fearon is qualified in all the subjects she practises and became a convert to aromatherapy 12 years ago. She believes alternative therapies are becoming increasingly popular.

"The benefits are amazing and clients say it really does help them through the week," she said, adding that the business could be developed to take the treatment to clients' workplaces during a lunch-hour.

"This is something I am considering if there is enough interest," said the former Merchant Navy radio officer.

When she decided to take the plunge back into work after a break to bring up her children, she found herself at the Middlesbrough office of InBiz, a business support organisation. She said she received a lot of help to draw up her business plan and was given lots of confidence.

Daybreak Therapies can be contacted on 01642 502764.