She has gone from a police forensics department to being a stay-at-home mum and is now an entrepreneur in line for an award. 

It has been a whirlwind six months for Emma Jones, from Cranworth, near Dereham, who has been shortlisted in a  'Business Hero of the Year' category at the Norfolk Small Business Awards.

Miss Jones, 34, said she was delighted with the success of her business Little Ones Preloved, which sells and donates upcycled children's clothes.

Dereham Times: Emma Jones, owner of Little Ones Preloeved, a business which sells and gives away upcycled children's clothesEmma Jones, owner of Little Ones Preloeved, a business which sells and gives away upcycled children's clothes (Image: Emma Jones)READ MORE: Net-zero HOLDUP: Chilly wait continues after centre's boiler broke 20 MONTHS ago

She said: “I wanted to keep busy knowing I would be at home caring for my children.

"I loved selling stuff on Vinted, and I’ve always enjoyed finding a bargain from a charity shop or online sale and also enjoyed the art of restoring clothing back to its former glory.

“There is nothing better than giving the clothes a good soak or repairing issues.”

Miss Jones worked for Norfolk Constabulary before starting her business in April, selling pre-loved clothing for newborn babies up to children aged 15.

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She also provides free clothing parcels to families in need, after she noticed families were making cutbacks with the cost-of-living crisis.

Miss Jones said: “This has so far helped many families.

"I have sent out 15 free clothing parcels also with the help of generous people who have donated clothing within the local area.

Dereham Times: Little Ones Preloeved, a business which sells and gives away upcycled children's clothesLittle Ones Preloeved, a business which sells and gives away upcycled children's clothes (Image: Emma Jones)“Being able to help families in need is a very important thing for me.

"I believe if I can help take a weight off some of the parents' shoulders even if it's just a little then it is well worth doing. A little help from me can go a long way for others."

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Miss Jones said she was thrilled to have been acknowledged in the awards.

She said: "I’m very proud to have received so many nominations from kind people. It is just my way of trying to help others.”