A DARWEN mum is set to open a clothes shop for larger ladies after struggling to find anything to fit her.

Sarah Byrne, a size 18, said she was fed up with bigger size women feeling intimidated in high street stores so she wanted to show other retailers that "big really can be beautiful" by opening her own shop -- Sarah's Sizes.

The mother-of-two has taken a complete career change from her previous job as a catering manager with the shop in Belgrave Square, Darwen.

She said she was inspired to fight the corner for all size 16+ women after a series of "heartbreaking" shopping trips for wedding dresses where she was repeatedly told that no dress would fit her.

Sarah, 38, of Perry Street, said: "I have always struggled to find beautiful and fashionable clothes, especially at my biggest - a size 26. I had a heartbreking time when I was trying on wedding dresses.

"Shop assistants used to say 'oh, there is nothing to fit you' and I was really treated appallingly.

"It was a nightmare and I used to go home upset. That was until I found a lady who said she would make me whatever I wanted and really listened to what design ideas I had in mind.

"Nobody should ever be made to feel embarrassed or intimidated when out shopping - it is supposed to be a fun experience after all.

Whether they want a swimsuit, a suit for work, a wedding dress or a ball gown we will have stock to suit every body type or shape and if we don't we will order it for them."