A new party planning business has filled an empty unit in Ashford town centre which was previously a pet shop.

Formerly Pet Essentials before becoming a bargain store, the site in New Rents is now a decor studio for Khises-Posh Creatives (KPC) Events owned by Kirah Okewole.

It offers studio space for photo shoots and parties but can also cater for external events and weddings in venues across Kent, Essex and London.

Mrs Okewole has been working in the industry for nine years and says she has so many creative ideas she can't wait to bring to the community in Ashford.

She said: "There is nothing else in Ashford like us.

"There are a number of florists but they only offer flowers, we can offer full package events with backdrops and balloons.

"We can arrange catering, photography, all you need to do is come in with guests and have a nice time so it’s stress free."

"We have had lots of enquiries from people wanting to know about prices and what we offer so it has been good so far.

"You can come into the studio, have a look at the back drops we have in stock and they can be customised too."

The studio officially opened last Thursday and Mrs Okewole hopes the store in Ashford will be the first of many to open in the UK as a branch to her business in Nigeria.

Pet Essentials, an independent pet shop, shut its doors in 2019 after more than 20 years in Ashford high street.

Owner Gavin Wood says running his store became financially impracticable forcing it to close.

In 2020, bold new plans for a 92-bed hotel, bar and restaurant emerged where developers want to demolish the row of shops in New Rents, where KPC Events is set up, to make way for the four-storey building.

While nothing has yet been approved, Mrs Okewole says she is not worried as she hopes to move to a bigger premises as her business grows.

She added: "Nothing has been decided yet.

"Whatever happens I am not worried, I am hoping I can move from here to my own bigger place to explore and express myself."

She is also looking for more photographers to add to her contacts and urges any interested to get in touch.