A yoga instructor is celebrating after kind-hearted donors helped her longstanding business get a new home.

Emma Turnball, 42 has been running her boutique studio called Yoga Wise from her home in Bakersfield, Mayland.

But she had to stop running it after a complaint was made to Maldon District Council.

Determined not to give up on her nine-year dream she set about looking for a new home.

After much searching she found a studio space in in Marine House, Steeple Road.

She said: “The Yoga Shack became my pride and joy and is a much-loved space by the many students who have entered, practised and contributed to the energy within her walls.

“It has been more than a building, the community that has built up around the Yoga Shack has been beautiful and humbling to be a part of. Sadly, heartbreakingly for me, due to a complaint from an unknown party, I was no longer able to continue teaching from this space.

“After many, many tears and even more phone calls to planning, to Maldon District Council, discussions with solicitors and architects, it was clear to me that I had to find a new location.”

After finding the new property Emma then started the lengthy process to gain permission to re-purpose the space into a studio. Proud husband, Ian, 52, said: “Since my wife had always wanted to upsize she took this as the perfect opportunity.

“The landlord was happy to support her.

“However, the building had the wrong use class and was in a protected employment zone, so back to the council she went and applied for change of use.

“After many months and committee meetings her application was approved.”

The application was approved on October 10 and shortly after Emma started out on raising the cash to create a new studio.

The crowdfunding page raised a total of £2,382 which funded new flooring, toilets, a separate room for shoes, coats and storage as well as an area for visitors to sit and talk.

The studio can accommodate a maximum of 15 students, much larger than the shack could hold.

Emma said: “I am lost for words, thank you doesn’t express the complete gratitude in my heart.

“I really feel it will be a beautiful community space because it has been created from this amazing community.”

To find out more about Yoga Wise, go to yoga-wise.co.uk.