A French native has opened a new shop in Sevenoaks after receiving a helping hand from Dame Kelly Holmes.

Laurence Decouttère began selling accessories, furniture and gifts out of Dame Kelly's Hildenborough shop, Cafe 109, when it opened last year.

The 47-year-old, from Hildenborough, enjoyed running a business and decided to branch out on her own.

She said: "When Kelly Holmes opened Café 1809 in Hildenborough, I loved the design and spoke to her about my business. She showed great enthusiasm and support and gave me the opportunity to display my products and sell them to her customers.

"Following the success of this almost corner shop, the idea of developing the retail side of the business further became clearer and having a shop very desirable”.

Mrs Decouttère chose a spot in Holly Bushy Lane, an area she loves for its independent shops and characterful shopkeepers, to open Chic Et Tralala.

The mother-of-three said: “There is a village atmosphere, almost like the best of a mini Parisian arrondissement but with a relaxed British feel. It is just perfect. It is a unique place and I am proud to be given the chance to be part of it."

Mrs Decouttère, who grew up in the French countryside, said Chic Et Tralala was created out of a childhood passion for transforming a space into something "satisfyingly beautiful enough”.

"I studied in Paris, then worked and lived there for many years before meeting my husband. We lived in London and often visited the family in Underriver, near Sevenoaks. When our first child was expected, it became impossible to resistthe call of the countryside. We moved to Hildenborough almost 10 years ago," she added.

Mrs Decouttère said she started to buy second hand furniture and decorative objects as a hobby. She also worked with antique fabrics in her spare time but her projects were put on hold after the birth of her twins.

"Having more time to think, the Chic et tralala project cameback to life with the help of my local friends, different products, and new services. Penshurst Christmas market was the first fair we did and although hard work being outside, we loved it and received very good feedback.

The grand opening of Chic Et Tralala took place on Thursday, November 19. The store sells furniture, scented candles, room sprays and decorative objects.

"It's been wonderful having the big space to display furniture items, my house is a lot emptier now. People have been buying lots of Christmas decorations which is great. It's been going really well so far," Mrs Decouttère added.

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