A BURNLEY supermum has travelled to the other side of the world to help needle the competition in her new business venture.

Louise Manville travelled to China to study acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine - despite raising six children.

And the mother of five children and one foster child, who lives in Westgate with partner Paul Yates, said she will continue to juggle her hectic lifestyles by adding to her growing brood while establishing her new shop.

She said: "When I was younger I worked in a factory for a long time and realised I did not want to work for someone else. I like to be in charge.

"My parents have fostered for 30 years. I lived among foster children all my childhood and one day thought why don't we do that. I would love to have a really big house with three or four foster children. The more the merrier."

Following her return from Beijing, Louise gained further advice from doctors at The Northern Institute of Oriental Medicine, in St Annes.

Louise used to run a music shop in Colne but gave up her job to start a family.

She became interested in the ancient therapy after reading a book on massage to treat a headache, and started offering treatments in 2000.

And Louise, whose children are aged between 10 months and 21 years, has really made her mark in the career by opening a new clinic called Acupoint Acupuncture, in Gisburn Road, Barrowford.

She said she the support of her family helps her with her frantic schedule which she would not change.

Louise added: "I don't know what made me do it. That's something I never thought I would ever do. But I love the work I do helping people to relieve their pain and suffering."