Pandy Dean, a Crowthorne resident for 15 years, held a launch party for her new store The Wonky Donkey in Dukes Ride on Saturday and greeted more than 100 people who poured into the shop to have a look to see what was on offer.

After retiring from her post as head of dance at Wellington College in Crowthorne last summer, she decided that she wanted to follow her passion for interior design and open the shop.

Her career as a dancer allowed her to travel the world for 14 years, living in the Far East, Middle East, Europe and America, including living in Hong Kong for four years.

This allowed her to develop her understanding of different fabrics, textiles and colours.

She said: “I can’t stand clothes shopping but put me in an interiors shop and I’m in heaven!

“I love the idea of mish-mashing styles both old and new and I love the feel of fabrics. I used to design and make costumes for my shows, so I love playing with colour and texture.

“When I finished teaching, it was just the only thing I knew I could feel passionate about, as I did for dance.” The shop will seek to stock a mixture of products including ornamental statues, throws, lighting, tableware, picture frames, cushions and dining tables, all of which will be sourced both locally and abroad.

She will also be teaming up with local designers such as Farnham-trained potter Martin Tyler, while she will use her knowledge of animal rights and being a vegetarian to focus on stocking an ethical and fair trade collection.

Mrs Dean also runs Zumba classes in Crowthorne, Finchampstead and Arborfield.

The shop will be open seven days a week.