A CHILDHOOD dream for two Essex women is about to become reality.

Najia Jones, 36, of Benfleet and Danielle Lucas, 33, of Waltham Abbey, have been friends for 25 years and running their own shop is something they’ve often talked about.

Now the mums, who have three daughters between them, are about to open Mi Matilda, a children’s boutique specialising in clothing from Spain.

Speaking about their joint venture, Najia said: “It’s something we’ve always wanted to do and have been working hard to get the shop ready in time for Saturday’s opening.

“I’ve always liked to dress my daughters in Spanish clothes and have spent a few years driving over to the other side of Essex to a shop to buy them for special occasions.”

It was on these journeys Najia realised she could bring the clothing to her local area and together they could fulfil their lifelong ambition.

Najia said: “Spanish clothing is particularly popular for children and it is of good quality.

It’s been hard to choose from such a large selection, but we’ve picked a bit of everything we hope everyone will like.”

The shop in Shafers Arcade, Benfleet, offers both boys and girls clothing from birth to the age of five. Mi Matilda opens on Saturday, at Unit 11 Shafers Arcade, Benfleet. Telephone 01268 952660.

It is offering Echo readers a ten per cent discount on purchases between March 5 and 12, if you present this article.