TWO entrepreneurial friends have developed a unique 'mulled gin' drink, which they are preparing to sell throughout the north west.

Michelle Partington and Georgina Jackson, from Holme, together run George and Shelly's, and decided to go into business off the back of the roaring success of their drink at Manchester's Christmas Markets last year.

They now have a deal with Booths, which will stock the gin from October and have set about bottling their product and developing other drinks to expand their range.

Michelle, whose love of the Lake District has meant she has kept her offices in the area as her business grows, said: "We both like the odd tipple and we just wondered what else we could do other than mulled wine.

"Not everybody likes mulled wine as it is very sweet. People's palettes are changing and people are starting to be a bit more conscious about the amount of sugar in things.

"This drink has a London Dry Gin base, with apple juice and festive spices.

"It seems to be a pretty unique product. We have not seen another one like it available."

Michelle and Georgina have known each other for 12 years. They got to know one another when Georgina applied for a job with Michelle at her other business, Lakeland Picnic.

They developed the mulled gin for Christmas last year, and have now created a summer version of the drink, as well as a spiced rum. They are also working on a vodka-based drink.

"Booths are really keen to work with us on this and we are looking to develop that relationship," said Michelle. "The mulled gin is also going to be available in bulk size for any bars who want to purchase it and sell it in mugs, like we did at the markets.

"It is ideal for any bar wanting to sell something a little bit different and more unique than mulled wine. We'd like to develop that market as well."

Anyone interested in stocking the drinks can contact Michelle on michelleshellyp@gmail.com