IT'S "sew" far so good for enterprising Prestwich businesswoman Valerie Edwards!

For the 52-year-old single parent has launched her own We're in Stitches haberdashery shop in the town after receiving valuable government assistance.

And on hand to officially open the premises was Bury South MP Ivan Lewis, whose constituency office in Bury New Road is only two doors away from the new shop.

Valerie, a former Manchester City councillor and elderly care home administrator, was earlier receiving Job Seekers Allowance.

She approached her local job centre after reading one of their leaflets. With their help and support, she was interviewed by the Government-funded Action for Employment (A4E) before successfully gaining a place on their self-employment course in Manchester. She will receive an adult training allowance for the first six months of her new business, seen as the test trading period.

Valerie, who lives in Crumpsall, said: "I had wanted to open a haberdashery business as I knit and sew myself, but never had the capital or opportunity to do so.

"However, the support I received from the job centre and A4E was fantastic. They helped me draw up a business plan, open a bank account and gave me lots of advice on National Insurance contributions, Inland Revenue and other matters."

There has been a big comeback in knitting in the south side of Manchester where successful knitting clubs have been established. Valerie is hoping to establish knitting and sewing clubs from her own shop and anyone interested should call in to see her.

The only other haberdashery shop in Prestwich village, closed around three years ago.