A WOMAN who opened a lingerie shop in York after suffering a serious injury has defied the recession and celebrated a first year of trading.

Customers at Elizabeth Wells in Shambles were treated to cup cakes, while models donned a new range of luxury lingerie.

Sarah Wells, 25, who opened the shop in November 2008 after recovering from breaking her back in a sledging accident, said she had enjoyed a successful first year of trading.

She said: “The last year has been amazing. I remember my first customer – he bought his girlfriend some rather nice knickers for Christmas while on a business trip to York and commented on the welcoming atmosphere and my helpfulness in choosing a gift. As a company Elizabeth Wells prides itself not only on the personal service we offer in store but also the local links we have with many other independent businesses.

“I love working with other local businesses, as supporting the local economy is key to the great small businesses surviving the economic situation we’re in.”

Sarah, a former pupil of Sand Hutton Primary School and Huntington School, thanked her school friend, Siobhan White, of Feast Yorkshire, who donated the cup cakes.