ORIGINALLY it was only meant to be a dream.

Now, 51-year-old Laura Whitaker has turned that dream into reality and converted the upper floor of the old Post Office in West Street, Fareham, which closed in March, into a yoga studio.

She set up her business, Yoga Junkie, in July while working her full-time job at Foreman Homes in Locks Heath, deciding that she wanted a change of lifestyle.

Laura, who was a police officer for nine years, said: “In this day and age our bodies and minds are overloaded with the stresses and strains of daily life.

“I am following a passion to teach yoga, I want to share what yoga has done for me with others.

“It is a truly an amazing toolkit we all have access to, an ancient teaching more than 4,000 years old.”

Laura undertook an 18-month course to complete her initial teacher training in Hatha Yoga with the Yoga Sanctuary in Southampton.

After deciding that she wanted to teach full time she looked at many possible premises for her studio after obtaining a government start up loan for people who have served in emergency services.

She added: “Originally I was looking at local community centres and church halls to teach on a regular basis. However, I knew that I wanted a dedicated place for teaching so after a long hunt I found 117a West Street and I knew instantly this was a great location and space for Yoga Junkie.”

Since opening after leaving her full time job on August 3, Laura now runs three beginners’ classes and hopes to expand the business further.

She said: “I am now doing what I love to do and have the passion and desire to make it work for me.”

Laura aims to have at least 100 students per week using Yoga Junkie, while her longer-term vision is to open up a vegan deli on the same premises.