This business in Midsomer Norton has been a town landmark for over 35 years : for the past fifteen ably managed by the enthusiastic and still hugely positive, Helen Barnes.

When coronavirus arrived, for several weeks, with no business coming in, it was a worrying time for her, and her four faithful friends.

But in the last few days, there has been something of an uptick in people who have discovered that they can still, safely, use her professional skills.

Past and Present Upholstery, which also offers soft furnishings alongside actual upholstering and supplies, is a well-known spot at 12 South Road in Midsomer Norton ; not least for the shop's loyal fan club, although they DO break the no dogs on the sofa rule, sometimes two at a time.

"They come to work with me every day, " Helen Barnes explained to Nub News. " They all love the sofa in the window, for catching the sunshine and watching out."

Helen has four dogs, who all love the sofa and seeing passing trade - and no they are not for sale.

Over the last few weeks, obviously fewer of the general public have been in, " said Helen. "But with the backlog of work I have been busy as usual.

" I work for a London designer that still has hotels to refurbish and open later in the year. I am sure too that people will be at home thinking, maybe we should get these recovered.. I will be here for the rush when the restrictions are lifted."

She is something of a celebrity in upholstery circles, she has done work for the late Lord Bath at Longleat, Pearl Lowe , Hauser and Wirth and with Russell Sage Studios designers who work all over the country .

She told Nub News " I even had a TV appearance in the ' To The Manor Reborn' . They filmed me doing some of the upholstery pieces for the manor . All great fun ... and even the dogs got in on the scene."

Helen has run the business since 2005, taking over when the previous owner John Pomphrey, who trained her in her much sought after design skills, retired.

"Of course like all businesses I have had to adapt, but people can leave work outside and then I can take it in, so we never have to 'meet'... and I can keep busy. I do not even have to see you from outside.

" I also sell a lot of upholstery supplies, so for people who like to dabble with their own upholstery, I can supply everything, including foam cut to size."

Currently she says that those supplies are still coming in with the warehouses of the big material brands still operating.

" I am still here. I can still get fabric and I will keep working through this."

And so will her faithful posse.