THIS time last year Victoria Rose was an unemployed single mum wondering what to do with her future.

Victoria, aged 19, was forced to drop out of college when she was 17 after becoming pregnant and was living on benefits in Little Hulton.

But she wanted a better life for herself and daughter Ella, aged two, and now Victoria has set up her own business after getting help from the One Stop Shop, in Longshaw Drive.

The Salford Council-run service provides advice and information on a whole range of issues including courses, health, housing, and welfare benefits.

Staff put her on a course to learn skills including IT and business management and then helped her to apply for a grant from the Prince's Trust to get her idea off the ground.

She is now running her own shop called 'V and E's Catalogue Bargains' - named after her and her daughter - in Little Hulton District Centre, selling as-new returned catalogue goods at knock-down prices.

Victoria said: "I was on income support looking after my little girl, it was hard because I'd had to leave Pendleton College without finishing my course after I got pregnant.

"I wanted to do something but I couldn't afford childcare. Then a friend told me if you did a course at the One Stop Shop the childcare was paid for.

"It gave me confidence and I started thinking about setting up my own shop. I didn't want to be on benefits, I wanted to do something for me and Ella."

The idea for the business came from Victoria's parents, Mary and John, who already run Green Scene fruit and veg in the shopping centre.

Every few weeks Victoria buys pallets containing goods returned to catalogues and sorts through them to pick the best items for her shop.

Jean Palin, manager of the One Stop Shop, said: "Victoria approached me with this idea but she didn't know where to start. Our job is to help people, or if we can't help to find someone who can, and I knew that Salford Action Team and the Prince's Trust gave out grants.

"We put a business plan together and she was awarded the money, she has done really well. It's nice to see a young person getting out there and doing something positive."

The Prince's Trust awarded her a £550 grant and Salford Action Team is giving her £250 a month for the first three months to meet running costs.

"It's hard and I'm not paying myself a wage at the moment but I'm just going to keep on going and try to make a success of it," said Victoria.

The One Stop Shop provides help and information on a whole range of issues including courses, health, housing, and welfare benefits.

For more details on the work of the One Stop Shop call 0161 975 7400.