TURNING a traditional skill into the 21st century enterprise has resulted in business success for Kate Wiggins and her all-female team of chimney sweeps.

Katie Sweep Chimney Service was established in 2007 and has been sweeping across Yorkshire ever since.

Reporting year on year growth, the business, which is vying to be crowned Small Business of the Year, has seen such an increase in demand that it now employs a team of four sweeps.

Owner Katie Wiggin, known as Katie Sweep, said: "I got into chimney sweeping shortly after finishing my design degree. With the lack of paid jobs that the design industry offered at the time, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take up Chimney sweeping, after it been suggested by my step-dad.

"As part of this arrangement I secured the contract to work on behalf of Selby District Council and did so for several years. We now do both private and commercial sweeping with an ever growing client base.

"Every day is different in our line of work and never a dull moment."

The increase in popularity of wood burning and multi-fuel stoves has seen Katie Sweep's private customer base grow, working an a range of properties from normal family homes to large stately houses.

To help further improve her business's prospects, Mrs Wiggins has this year joined The National Association of Chimney Sweeps.

As well as promoting the business, the Katie Sweep team promote their trade as an important practice for removing the build up of soot and obstructions which can result in Carbon Monoxide poisoning, and chimney fires.

Mrs Wiggins said: "In times gone by the local chimney sweep has always been very much part of the local communities and we feel we have upheld this tradition.

"We have a loyal customer base and we really get to know our customers, and their chimneys. We provide good advice and information when needed.

"Myself and the lady sweeps really love our work and I am very proud with how the company has grown and that we can offer an excellent service to our customers and provide employment within the local community. We look forward to a prosperous future."