TWO mothers have opened new chapters on their lives, thanks to help with childcare from a pioneering project.

Lesley Bates and Nicola Thomas have both won grants towards childcare costs, so they have time to study on university or college courses in pursuit of new careers.

Ms Bates, of Hartlepool, has been awarded £225 to help with care for her two children while she studies at the University of Teesside.

The money is managed by the Hartlepool Opportunities for Women project and enables her to complete the final year of her BA honours degree in business management. She hopes to forge a career in management, possibly in the pub trade.

Ms Thomas, also of Hartlepool, has a one-year-old daughter and joined the opportunities project last year to study for a certificate in session creche work.

Her tutor Lynne Perry, of Hartlepool FE College, encouraged Ms Thomas to take up further education. The young mother was awarded £390 from the women's development fund to provide child care when she begins studying next month for a national certificate in childhood studies, then to work in nurseries.

Vanda Capaldi, women's opportunities project organiser, said: "These are two very good examples of how young women in the community can access support for their children and still concentrate on their studies and on developing their careers."

Information on the Opportunities for Women project is available from Vanda Capaldi, on (01429) 523513.