When Shirley Norton decided to expand her face-painting business to cover pregnant women’s bumps there was one snag – she didn’t know any expectant mums.

But the 44-year-old has hit on a novel way to advertise her tummy talents by using portly musicians.

Shirley said she hoped the unlikely models, who have been carrying their “bumps” for slightly longer than nine months, would encourage women to choose one of her midriff masterpieces as a memento of their pregnancy.

The mother-of-one said: “I think a photograph of a painted bump would make a wonderful memento.

“I remember when I was pregnant I was huge and I would have loved some way to remember that time.”

Shirley, of Littlehampton Road, Worthing, has been face painting at children’s parties and fêtes for more than 13 years but went full-time after she was made redundant from Norwich Union last year.

Shirley started doing make-up for a voluntary theatre project at the Connaught Theatre, Worthing, and then completed a course at Northbrook College.

She thinks her idea to expand into stomach art is unique.

She said: “The main difference from faces is I don’t have features to paint around but it gives me a chance to be more creative.

“I was quite pleased with my first attempt and I’m looking forward to experimenting with flowers and butterflies, though I don’t think those designs would go down too well on these two models.”

Musicians Martin Fish and M M McGhee, from Brighton band The Fish Brothers, were Shirley’s first volunteers.

Martin, 39, said: “Even my children pick on my beer belly so I thought I’d go for a bit of decoration.”

McGhee, 37, added: “It was very relaxing. I laid back and enjoyed tea and a biscuit while Shirley painted me.”

Martin added that Mrs Norton’s business idea had inspired his band who will be playing at the Rat & Trumpet in Dyke Road, Brighton, on Friday.

He said: “We often paint our faces. I think we’ll try the bellies next time.”

Shirley is offering free belly painting for any pregnant women willing to pose for her portfolio.

Anyone interested should email happyheadz@hotmail.com or call 07843 229962.