A REDDITCH woman has been presented with an award after becoming the 700th person to find work through the town JobCentre's New Deal for Lone Parents scheme.

Thanks to the support she will receive from a six-month "supported training" scheme, Sharon Gayle is now preparing to set up her own business making silver jewellery.

Redditch MP Jacqui Smith presented her with her commemorative award.

The occasion marked the sixth anniversary of the initiative which is a Government approach to provide help and support to lone parents who want to go back to work.

For more details about the scheme, call 0800 587 4242, textphone 0845 606 0680, visit the JobCentre or JobCentre Plus office or visit www.newdeal.org.uk