In an ever-changing job market people are having to find inventive ways to top up their income.

Nicola May, the Ascot based author of eight romantic comedy novels, came up with a solution that she believes is the cat's whiskers.

Miss May, 51, who lives in Queen's Place, said: "Unless you get that break or as successful as JK Rowling or E L James, you still have to supplement your writing income."

Having broken with her earlier publisher and started publishing her own work she came up with the idea of setting up her own business Ascot Happy Cats to bring in some extra cash.

She said: "I was always feeding friend's cats so I decided to set up my own business feeding other peoples' cats."

Miss May says that having her own cat Stanley means she knows there is more to it than just keeping them fed and watered. Words of reassurance are important too to a cat whose usual owner is away on holiday or staying in hospital.

She will also open and shut curtains and water your plants for no extra charge too. And if you’re lucky she might even give you a signed copy of one of her novels for you to take on holiday with you.

Miss May's latest book Love Me Tinder tells the story of a woman escaping from a failed marriage through an internet dating app - making a personal discovery in the protest.

For more info about Happy Cats you can visit www.ascothappycats.co.uk For more details about Nicola’s books go to www.nicolamay.com