A charity which improves the career prospects of jobless women by helping them start businesses celebrated their achievements last week.

Ladies who L-EARN held a graduation ceremony at Stratford Town Hall in Broadway.

Women who had benefited from the scheme, most of them from Bethnal Green, shared inspirational stories and received recognition for their progress.

Sammy Hussain, one of the graduates at Ladies who L-EARN said: “I’ve got great hopes for Ladies Who L-EARN and hope it grows so that other young women get what I’ve got from taking part in it - confidence, self belief and a job I’m excited about”.

Another graduate, Hazel Monteleone has gone on to be her own boss.

“I am going to set up my business, Good Food Good Mood, and I’m thankful for all the support and meeting so many inspiring people who have helped me”.

Marzina Begum said the charity’s coaching gave her hope after her father’s death.

She said: “I had no hope. I’ve now got a paid intern job as creative producer at Project Phakarma, and my dreams have come true.”