A WOMAN who spent four years recovering from a major car crash has fought back to open her own business.

Mum-of-two Kerri-Anne Mruk (pictured) has opened her own tanning parlour in Pontypool Ms Mruk's life was shattered by a serious car accident in 1994 when a back injury put her out of action for several years.

She said: "I suffered from four compacted discs, as well as losing one, and was in and out of hospital for nearly four years."

And that meant she had to put her dream of owning her own business on hold. "It was always my ambition to set up my own business - I originally qualified as a beauty therapist," she said.

Ms Mruk took time out after her crash to raise her daughter, aged four and son aged five. But the desire to run her own business was always there.

She took a business administration course, got £5,000 help from European and Assembly funding, and then felt ready to give it a go, finding her ideal property on Clarence Street.

Four weeks ago, she opened her own business - The Sun Centre tanning and nail art salon, and has since seen more than 450 clients come through her door.

"It's wonderful to be actually here - you never think it's going to come, the day when you open the doors," said the 33-year-old, who lives in Varteg.

"I was originally going to rent the premises - which was empty and dilapidated before - but I ended up spending £21,000, so it made sense to purchase it," she said.

Torfaen's executive member for the environment, councillor John Marshall, said: "I am most impressed by the hard work and sheer determination that has gone into this new business venture. Thousands of people have business ideas and dreams, but for one reason or another are never able to see them through to fruition."