A REDDITCH woman has been given a helping hand and a financial boost to assist her on her path to a career in the music industry.

Single mother Louisa Ford, 21, lives at a housing project called Smallwood Alms House, in Smallwood.

Until she moved into the house she had been homeless and had been unemployed up until July.

She had tried to launch her singing career before but this stopped before it really started when she gave birth to her daughter, Abbie, three.

After moving to Smallwood, Miss Ford decided to go to college and studied hair styling.

It was through college that she became involved with The Prince's Trust and started on the path which she hopes will change her life.

She went on a two-week "Work for yourself" course with the trust and was then brought before a panel in Worcester and asked to present her case as to why the trust should support her.

Miss Ford said: "I couldn't believe it when they agreed to give me £2,500 to launch my singing career.

"The money will go towards buying equipment for when I perform in pubs and clubs and after I get established, the sky's the limit.

"I want to thank everybody who has kept pushing and encouraging me, especially my mum and, of course, The Prince's Trust.

"Without them, I would not have had the determination to try to make something of myself."

Miss Ford covers all types of music from the 60s to the 90s.

For details, call 07880 591683.