BRA-FITTING specialists are celebrating 10 years of business in Bury town centre.

Perfect Fit by Carol, which operates out of the Mill Gate Shopping Centre, prides itself on transforming women's lives through its personal service, and finding the best style and size for large-breasted ladies.

The business journey began 10 years ago when mum-of-two Carol Jolly decided to go solo after being offered a £50,000 investment.

Carol, who hails from Bradshaw, had previously worked for a bra fitting company and held several of her own successful bra fitting parties in women’s homes.

And so in 2008, she launched her Love Your Fit store in Mill Gate.

Since then, the firm has expanded into a bigger premises at the centre and grown its staff team to five.

In 2013, with the help of a local marketing consultant, the business was rebranded as Perfect Fit By Carol — a decision which has increased turnover.

Carol, aged 47, said: "We are changing the lives of women not only locally but from further afield.

"I want to show ladies how much support they can have from a bra. Most ladies go up five cup sizes and go down at least two at the back so it is very emotional at times.

"Women can be really down on themselves, because of the pressures of the media and social media. Society thinks if you have bigger breasts you have got to be a big lady. Department stores are using outdated methods. It is impossible to use a tape measure to get a bra size. We know by eye. So it is through that, and our product knowledge, that we have this niche in the market and have been as successful as we have been."

Carol thanked her local following and added: "We are a small, independent shop. Support your local bra shop and it will support you."

The shop, which stocks lingerie brands such as Panache, Fantasie, Elomi and Freya from a size 28 up to a size 44K cup, has been inundated with testimonials from delighted female customers whose appearance and confidence have been boosted.

Its success has also been recognised at a higher level. In 2016, Perfect Fit by Carol took home the Customer Excellence Award at the Bolton and Bury Business Awards.

Bra fitter Lesley Jones, aged 57, has been working at the specialist lingerie store for just over six years.

She said: "It is the most gratifying job and we are helping lots of women every day — whether it is someone who has had a mastectomy, or a new mum who is looking for a feeding bra — we are giving women confidence.

"There are always giggles and laughs, and tears as well, because these ladies are our friends not just our clients. This is so much more than just a lingerie shop."

Staff, customers and supporters will mark the 10th anniversary with a champagne-filled celebration party on Saturday.