A QUAINT Ribble Valley village may be a million miles from the hustle and bustle of Rio de Janeiro.

But some of Brazil's best-known fashion labels are now available in Lancashire after Brazilian-born Paula Hardman began importing the country's upmarket fashions to the UK.

Paula, 23, decided to start her own company, Tribo Made in Brazil, last year after returning to her home country with her English husband James.

She realised how much she missed the fashions she grew up with and decided there was a UK market for them.

Based at her home in Newton-in-Bowland and with an outlet in Manchester, Tribo's distinctive clothes have already earned rave reviews from fashion experts.

"I have now been in England for six years and I always had problems finding clothes that suited me as I am not a skinny or a small woman" said Paula.

"Three years ago, I went back to Brazil with James and we decided to start our own business.

"Brazilian fashion is all about comfort and being naturally sensual.

"By having a very tailored cut, the clothes are flattering and make the most of womanly curves."

Paula has been helped on the way by business start-up specialists from the Ribble Valley Enterprise Trust.

"They have been very helpful," she said. "I did all my business planning with them and went on a number of courses which gave me a better insight into the complexities of starting your own business.

"We have done a lot of market research and we reached a deal with DTA, one of the top Brazilian labels, to market their exclusive designs in the UK."

Tribo launched its first collection last year, mainly in independent shops.

While volumes were not high, Paula believes she has established the Tribo name and is expecting higher sales of her next collection, unveiled this month.

"Starting my own business has been a dream come true," she said.