A FORMER receptionist made redundant from her job has opened the door on a new career.

And if Denise Lever could be forgiven for suffering stress after her earlier setback, her new role is to help others overcome the condition.

Mrs Lever (41), has now launched a holistic therapy and treatment business, trading under "Inner Sanctum" from premises on The Haymarket, Bury.

Just weeks before, the Radcliffe woman was among 90 staff made redundant from Unified Dyed Yarns.

But as one door closed, another opened for the businesswoman who has now transformed an abiding passion into a potentially-prosperous company. "About six months ago, I qualified after studying at Bolton College for around a year," she says.

"I've got a body massage certificate and diplomas in reflexology and Indian head massage.

"I was looking to do something like this in the long-term. Now, I've taken advantage of my redundancy to establish my own business," added Denise.

"The redundancy payment I received helped me to set up the business sooner than I had thought."

Denise, of Fletcher Street, Radcliffe, had worked for Unified as a receptionist for three years.

"Inner Sanctum" is a ladies-only salon offering holistic therapy, massage, aromatherapy treatment, Reiki and reflexology.

On the benefits of her treatments, she said: "They can be very helpful for stress as well as skin ailments. I'm really delighted everything has fallen into place for me.

"From being made redundant, I've been able to open my own business in just a month."