Gloucester Carpet Outlet  has not let the grass grow under its feet during lockdown.

In fact, they have been busy ensuring it does not grow under anybody's feet - thanks to a surge in the sale of artificial grass.

The company reopened the doors to its Bristol Road shop this week as coronavirus restrictions were relaxed, complete with sanitation station and an appointment service.

But members of the team who worked throughout lockdown have been far from quiet over the last few months.

Joint managing partner Dan Leach said: "It was great to welcome everyone back to the store after the majority of the team have been furloughed.

"Monday was tremendously successful and at times it was quite manic.

"I think people have been at home during the lockdown doing DIY or dreaming of getting home projects finished and it has been great to be able to help them out."

And that is where the artificial grass comes in.

Mr Leach said: "During the last couple of months trading online we have experienced massive growth of artificial grass.

"People have busy lives and, of course, artificial grass looks perfect no matter the weather and doesn't need much maintenance.

"It's perfect for busy people who love their garden to look great."

Founded by Mr Leach and his former St Peter's High School friend Ben Bryon, Gloucester Carpet Outlet has made sure it has a firm grip on its values - focusing on customer service, product and price.

Turnover is in the region of £3million and the pair employs 11 staff with a team of 15 out fitting each day.

"In the last 12 months we have been growing rapidly - and we are getting called by an increasing number of companies," said Mr Leach.

"We have done work for the likes of Roberts Limbrick, Keyway, Gloucester City Homes, Barnwood Construction, EG Carter and Linden Road Primary School."

You may well have seen the company's distinctive logo on the arm of Gloucester Rugby's shirts and they were on hand for repairs when floods caused almost £500,000 worth of damage at Kingsholm.

And proving size is not an obstacle, the business even laid some of the perimeter around the club's 4G pitch.

And it will consider all sizes of jobs, wherever they may be.

"We have fitted out a county businessman's holiday home in Plymouth and were recently over in Northampton. If people want us, we will look at it," said Mr Leach.

A team of fitters is at work six days a week and stock can accommodate "all tastes and prices" - from £2.99 to £500 a square metre and current trends (which favour geometric patterns).

To contact Gloucester Carpet Outlet telephone 01452 413513 or visit gloucestercarpetoutlet.co.uk