Now armed with cameras, camcorders, bugs, walkie-talkies and props for her various disguises, May has trained her sister, Isabel Elms, who lives in Hampton Vale, Peterborough, in the fine art of private investigation so she can open a virtual branch in Peterborough.

Platinum Investigations and Chaperones Ltd was born after May retired from the police force after 30 years' service, mainly in CID and surveillance work in Scotland where she also spent three years teaching at the Scottish Police College.

She has been operating her company from central Scotland for the past two years, but has now headed south of the border to open a virtual office in Peterborough.

She said: "Peterborough has a growing population. I know the area, as I have family here, and I wanted to expand my business in places which are vibrant, expanding and be where it's happening.

"I operate a private investigation company which also offers a chaperone service 'for women by women'.

"In addition, I offer advice on personal safety issues and work as a security consultant offering risk and threat assessments."

May is thrilled that her little sister Isabel (44) has decided to come on board – but although they have common goals, they have different interests.

"Isabel loves working on gritty details," said May. "Whereas I prefer surveillance work – you never know what will happen next. But Isabel finds all that waiting around boring. But that's good, we complement each other."

As well as tackling all kinds of surveillance work, from test purchases, internal theft and corporate surveillance, May and her team of strictly women staff, carry out unfaithful partner reports and disability fraud with professionalism and discretion.

May said: "Suspicious spouses now hire private eyes in almost half of all divorces. And MI5 has revealed that it wants to employ more women as they make better spies.

"Women have intuition, and that can make us better detectives. Also, people don't see women as a threat in this business, especially as you get older.

"I have a number of female clients who want to hire a female investigator if they suspect their husband or partner has been cheating because of the very personal nature of the business."

For more information about May and the services she offers, visit www.platinumpi.co.uk.