The latest franchise of lawn care specialists LawnHopper started up at the beginning of October and has been treating lawns in Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket for the past few weeks.

Chris Murrell, head of the new franchise, said: "It is a bit of an odd time to start but now is a good time to prepare for next year. In summer, the lawns will see instant results."

Care services include machine scarification, which removes thatch and moss which prevents oxygen getting into lawns, and core aeration, which improves drainage.

Business has begun well.

Mr Murrell said: "The interest we've had has been overwhelming. It has absolutely amazed me. In our first two weeks in the area we've done about 70 treatments."

"We've got one van and one operator covering the area at the moment, but we aim to have doubled this by the end of next year and we're also looking to expand into Stowmarket."

Merseyside-based LawnHopper is the franchise division of The Lawn Care Company, set up 11 years ago. It now has 12 franchises around the country.