Chorley dog treat company sniffs out Dragon's £50K investment

Gemma Connolly, who makes edible greetings cards for dogs, won a £50,000 investment from Sara Davies

A Dragons' Den contestant said she was "over the moon" to win the backing of one of the BBC show's investors.

Gemma Connolly, from Chorley, secured £50,000 from Sara Davies for her edible greetings cards for dogs.

She came up with the idea four years ago when a guide dog puppy she had volunteered to raise tried to eat a greeting card.

She said she "gave it everything I had" in her pitch, accompanied by guide dog Leo.

Gemma Connolly was joined by Leo the guide dog when she made her pitch

"I'm not good at blowing my own trumpet," she said, "but I was proud of my presentation and my responses to the Dragons' subsequent grilling."

The investment for a 25% stake of Scoff Paper means she can "put 100% of [her time] and focus into the business and get the bespoke manufacturing facility running at maximum capacity".

Ms Davies said: "Gemma's belief in her fantastic product was clear from the moment she stepped into the Den.

"I'm excited to work alongside Gemma to mentor her through the next exciting stage of growth as she goes on to inspire dog owners around the world to celebrate their pets' special occasions with edible cards."

Sara Davies (left) said she was "excited" to mentor Ms Connolly

The cards - made with potatoes and natural flavourings such as bacon, cheese, chicken and peanut - are designed and made in Buckshaw Village, Chorley.

Ms Connolly said she hopes to employ more local people as the business grows.