A WOMAN who learned the tricks of the plaster cast trade as a child is starting a business making models of babies' hands and feet.

Jamie Morris, 27, of Dawson Avenue, Sutton, was inspired by a family friend Allan Jackson who left her his plaster and moulds when he died.

The mum-of-one who attended De La Salle high school said: "We had a close family friend who used to make plaster cast ornaments and when I was little, from about the age of five, I loved watching him make them.

"He had his own business and I used to help him sometimes - I was the only one he taught his trade secrets to!

"Just before I was 12, he died, and he left all his equipment to me - the casts and the plaster."

She says she had always had the plan of restarting his business, with a twist, in mind and that now is the right time to do it.

She said: "Allan was so passionate about it and I wanted to keep it going. I'm keeping his business name 'A Touch of Class', but instead of the ornaments he made, I'm going for something more modern and custom-made."

Jamie, who is a single parent to three-year-old daughter Lexie, is planning to make 3D casts of babies' hands and feet, as well as seasonal ornaments such as Easter bunnies or Christmas baubles that can be painted by children.

She said: "As times have changed, demand has changed. The main part of it will be the 3D casts of baby hands and feet but I will also do customised pieces, for example, a couple holding hands for a wedding gift."

After working as a PA at St Helens Council, Jamie took a business course with St Helens Chamber, which has given her the final push to set herself up.

She said: "I've always wanted to do this and I'm determined to make a success of it."

Jamie is currently working on a website for her business. Anybody interested in having a cast made can email atoccreations@gmail.com.