AN award-winning Bury businesswoman has shut her ladies fashion shop but is still more than hungry for success!

For the move by Mrs Yvonne Wright to close her Irresistible store in the town's Bolton Street will enable her to devote her energy to expanding her already thriving Lancashire Dining Club.

Yvonne was a founder of the Bolton Street Business Club which was established to promote the interests of the area's traders.

After being made redundant in 1986 she became self-employed and sold ladies fashions on a party plan basis before launching Irresistible in 1990. During an eight-year period, Yvonne staged more than 120 fashion shows which raised funds for charities and other causes.

In 1997, Yvonne was the runner-up in the Bolton & Bury Business Awards for her marketing skills. She harnessed the expertise to launch and develop the business club which she led for six years.

Commenting on her popular fashion shop, she said: "It's been a meeting place, a wine bar, a coffee shop and an office base for my dining club members. It was also my working place and I did sell stock occasionally too!"

Shopping trends have contributed towards Yvonne's decision to close her business.

But Yvonne still has the appetite for business and now intends to develop and expand the Lancashire Dining Club.

"I started it five years ago when I realised there was a gap in the market," she explained. "The dining club is specifically targeting single people in their 40s and 50s. I started it with 14 people around one table and recently had 180 people at a dinner I organised. I also hope to launch several satellite groups.

"Although not a dating agency, six couples have met through Lancashire Dining Club and married and I'm delighted to have played a part."

But as she contemplates a bright new future, Yvonne has reflected on the past.

"I feel fortunate to have spent many years enjoying my occupation and it's never felt a chore to go to work."