A SINGLE parent has conquered her fear of returning to work after a five-year break.

Michelle Holliday described how daunting it was starting in a new job after raising her child to school age.

She said: "My first day was really, really scary.

"The first time I picked up the phone I was absolutely shaking."

The 27-year-old started work as a customer services salesperson at Newcastle merchandising company Brown Dog, which supplies printed music T-shirts to Virgin, HMV and MVC and gift items throughout Clinton Cards' 700 stores.

Ms Holliday worked in shops before having her daughter, six-year-old Cara, but was keen to train and broaden her horizons.

It was the JobCentre that recommended she approach the North East Chamber of Commerce to help her gain the skills and confidence to return to work.

"I had been at home looking after my daughter for five years. I didn't know how to get back in to work after being out for so long. I had never used a computer before."

Ms Holliday signed up for a 26-week business administration course at NECC's Stamp Exchange training centre but was only 11 weeks into the training when a work experience position at Brown Dog ended in a job offer.