TWO sisters have seized the opportunity to start their own business together after funding cuts saw them facing redundancy and uncertainty in their careers.

Sam McLaren and Andrea Booth, both from Guisborough, have launched Sky Blue Pink Parties – entertainment for young children focusing on traditional party games, dancing and face-painting.

They previously worked in the same department at Prior Pursglove College for seven years in Marketing and Student Event Organisation.

Sam said: “This is a huge career change for us but we couldn’t be happier working for ourselves and getting to do something so fun and enjoyable.

“We both have children and have been to countless children’s parties so we know what it takes to make it fantastic and what the kids love.”

There are two types of parties, as well as different packages for food and decorations, The Sky Blue Pink Party and The Pamper Party.

They are for children up to age ten and include a mini disco, traditional party games, such as pass the parcel, musical statues and limbo, face-painting, bubbles, balloons, dancing competitions, parachute games and prizes.

The Pamper Party is suited for girls aged between six and ten and also includes pamper activities, sparkly nails, bracelet making and glitter face painting.

Andrea said: “We always had really fun parties at home when we were growing up and it’s those kind of memories that last a lifetime. We want to keep the traditional side of birthday parties alive because that’s what children really love.

“We hope every child that has a party with us will have an amazing memory they look back on when they are grown up.”

“We are lucky to have the opportunity to work with each other again, we believe life is about having fun and as sisters working together this really shines through.”

Andrea and Sam came up with the name Sky Blue Pink Parties due to their love of the colours blue and pink and their rivalry over which colour is best from when they were children.

Sky Blue Pink Parties are also available to hire for entertainment during christenings, weddings and any other occasion, as well as birthday parties.

For more information, visit skybluepinkparties.co.ukor call 07896 211968.