Two mothers who started a gardening equipment company are being backed by a leading entrepreneur.

Millionaire businessman Peter Jones, one of the judges on the Dragons Den television show, was so impressed by Helen James and Cathy Caudwell-Todd's firm Girlie Gardening that he has bought into the business.

Mr Jones, who made his money in telecommunications, met the pair after they appeared on his show, Tycoon. He is providing finance and advice.

The women, who own the Urban Garden Centre in Skipton, decided to form the company after spotting a gap in the market for feminine gardening wear.

They dressed up part of the shop to accommodate a consignment of pink watering cans.

They sold faster than they could replenish the stock.

The two women now own two businesses. Girlie Gardening operates as an online and party planning business, selling wellington boots and other mainstream clothing items.

Now operating from large self-contained premises in Skipton, the business is represented by more than 40 agents across the United Kingdom and is seeking to have a network of more than 500 by the end of the year.

The two women also operate Sod It, which sells more upmarket products, with Harrods and Wyevale Gardening Centres among the retailers stocking the goods.

The two businesses were so successful that the two women ended up appearing on the ITV show, hosted by Mr Jones, after being shortlisted from 16,500 down to the last six.

Mrs James said: "We have been completely shocked by the amount of support and interest we have received since we appeared on Tycoon.

"Peter Jones has been a great asset and his business knowledge and experience is helping us to really take advantage of our initial business concept." Mrs Caudwell-Todd said: "Peter Jones has a number of business interests and is listed as one of the most successful business celebrities in UK, so wanting to invest in a small Skipton-based business, which was set up by two mothers has to be a first.

"We could never of imagined the success appearing on Tycoon would be."