FARNWORTH teenager Diane Bryan is celebrating her numbers coming up.

She has finally been issued with a National Insurance number after a four month long fight.

And delighted Diane, of Sandpiper Close, says it's all down to the Bolton Evening News.

The 16-year-old was featured in the BEN on Wednesday complaining that she had to turn down several offers of jobs and training because she did not have an NI number.

She should have received her number months before her 16th birthday in August but the Benefits Agency admitted there had been a computer error. Now Diane, who left Harper Green High School this summer with nine GCSEs, is looking forward to starting work.

Her mum, Mrs Susan Stamp, explained that the morning after the story was printed the Benefits Agency got in touch.

Mrs Stamp said: "We went to the office and Diane filled out all the forms. Then unbelievably after about an hour they actually gave her a National Insurance Number.

"We couldn't believe it. We can't understand why they didn't do it before." Diane added: "I'm really happy. I want to say a big thanks to the BEN."

The youngster is looking for a job, now she knows she is able to take up any offers.

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