A Cumbrian mum hopes setting foot into the notorious Dragons’ Den will attract future investment to the specialist business she is part of.

Lorraine Young, 33, from Station Close, Egremont, appeared on the popular show last night asking for investment in a range of products developed by Dundee-based Jenny McLaughlan. They asked for £30,000 in return for a 15 per cent stake in their three different products.

These included Gumigem – a range of silicone jewellery for adults that babies can chew on while teething – as well as Chewigem, jewellery aimed at children with sensory needs who have a need to chew. They also paraded their range of babygrows, known as Moozels.

Lorraine became interested in the brand when she was looking for something for her autistic daughter Jamie to chew on. She discovered Jenny’s products which were ideal for Jamie’s needs.

“I first got involved with Jenny in 2011. My daughter, Jamie, is autistic, had a need to chew and would chew on her sleeves. However we were told that fabric really wasn’t suitable because it absorbed saliva and that she was at risk of becoming dehydrated,” Lorraine said.

“The great thing is that although they don’t last forever, they’re incredibly hygienic and can be washed if need be.”

She said: “ I thought it was really cool stuff so I suggested to Jenny that the market could be expanded.

“Through this I am now employed to do social media and marketing. I work mainly from home which is good for me as it enables me to look after my daughter

Lorraine added that even though the range has continued to grow through word of mouth, the idea to go on Dragons’ Den was something that had been in the pipeline for quite a while. “We’ve been told a few times that we should go on,” she said.

Lorraine told the News & Star: “We got a lot of positive feedback from the Dragons but unfortunately we weren’t able to secure the investment. It’s quite daunting when you’ve got to make your pitch to them.”

Despite this, Lorraine said she is remaining upbeat for the future of each product. “I’d like to think that there might be someone else out there who saw it and wants to get in touch,” she added. “We’ve got the product out there and hopefully the message begins to spread around.”

Jenny said: “We were excited and extremely nervous to get through the rigorous process and enter the Den.

“It helped us look at our business and focus on how to move forward, with or without an investment.”