HEREFORD businesswoman Fiona Mundell is hoping she has started a new hair accessory craze with the launch of Looopy, a clever hair band that can style mid to long hair and, is now being sold through national fashion chain, Claire's Accessories.

Mrs Mundell came up with the idea after creating various hairstyles for her 10-year-old daughter Melissa.

"My daughter was constantly asking me to style her hair and create different looks, so I came up with the idea of a hairband which could give a number of horizontal bunches across the back of her head," she said. "Melissa and her friends absolutely loved it, so I went on to make several prototypes adding beads and decorations which gave two, three, four even five bunch variations. I was astonished at the amount of interest and decided to see if I could produce this relatively simple product on a commercial scale."

Last year, Mrs Mundell approached Business Link in Hereford to seek advice about taking her concept further.

Staff were able to help and introduced her to possible retailers, the first of which was Claire's Accessories and the firm is now stocking Looopy at 250 stores around the UK.

Ellis Pitt, Fiona's Business Link Advisor, said: "I am delighted Business Link has been able to assist Fiona with her first project and I shall enjoy assisting as her company, Melcam Ltd, grows."