A mum from Hitchin has launched an online guide to help families.

Penny Joyner-Platt, owner of Little Ankle Biters Herts, says becoming a mum for the first time and a global pandemic proved an ideal opportunity to pluck up the courage and get her creative juices flowing

Her website provides trusted reviews of the best activity clubs, days out, classes and child friendly pubs and restaurants, supported by great tips and advice about how to entertain kids across the county including Hitchin.

She said: "We've created a fantastic resource for families that will also help local businesses, community led groups and charities across the county as they begin to establish Covid secure ways of working.

"During my pregnancy and into motherhood, I realised there was a need for a reliable local family guide in one place to help parents and carers find great ideas and things to do to keep the children entertained and happy."

Penny, 37, previously enjoyed a successful career as a PR director in London.

She was made redundant when her little boy, Freddie was only three months old, forcing her to look at a new career.

After considering working for herself previously, she soon realised a long commute and London hours would no longer suit her family life, and with the support of her husband she took the leap and started her own business.

Joyner-Platt, said: "Digital platforms have taken a huge leap forward with Covid changing the shape of how businesses, community led groups and charities operate forever.

"I have recently been guiding business owners and group leaders on how to do things online from hosting virtual live and pre-recorded baby and toddler singing classes through to offering free promotion on our Little Ankle Biters Hertfordshire website and social media channels.

"I anticipate this hybrid business model will need to be adopted on a national scale by some of our much loved children's franchises long after lockdown restrictions have been eased."

For more visit [L]herts.ankle-biters.co.uk{L+]Little Ankle Biters Hertfordshire[.L]