A woman born with spinal defects has overcome her condition to start a successful dog grooming business.

Karen Wood, of Avocet Way, Bicester, has endured hours of operations for curvature of the spine and other congenital problems, but already has 300 canine clients just a month after launching her mobile pooch parlour, called Bugsie's Dog Wash.

Karen Wood, with her dogs Pepper and Tipsy The 22-year-old is trained in dog grooming and not afraid to tackle the biggest animals in her converted van, which travels across Oxfordshire.

As well as washing and clipping dogs, she also offers a microchip service, which can reunite lost dogs and their owners.

Curvature of the spine is a defect which prevents sufferers from growing properly, affecting their posture and movement.

Miss Wood said: "I was born with curvature of the spine, which limited what I could do as a child. I found it difficult to lift my right arm and my growth was hindered. I was treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and now I see doctors at the John Radcliffe Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre. Last year, surgeons fused my spine and since then I've grown a couple of inches."

Miss Wood decided to start her own business after working for the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. She said: "I went on a grooming course and worked at a kennel for two years before deciding to go it alone. My health hasn't affected the business and I can lift the biggest dogs."