A YOUNG Stockton mother working towards setting up her own beauty business has been handed a grant and loan from the Prince's Trust.

Dawn Jones, 25, joined the Into Work Project, in Crom-well Avenue, Stockton, last September in a bid to find a career which would take her off benefits.

Since then she has achieved a diploma in nail techniques, gone on self-employment courses, passed her driving and theory tests and sought grants to fund her training.

Her grant of £450, plus a loan of £2,000, will be used to buy a car, stock and equipment as she sets the wheels in motion for her new career as a mobile nail technician.

The mother-of-two said: "With this help, I now have the opportunity of a new start for me and my children."

David Coleman, deputy leader of Stockton Borough Council, presented Ms Jones with her cheque last week.

He said: "I'd like to congratulate Dawn on a string of marvellous achievements.

"She has worked very hard and thoroughly deserves this wonderful opportunity. I wish her every success for the future."

Ms Jones has also received support from the Enterprise and Skillshare Initiative, the Five Lamps organisation and the Richard Hind Centre.