A DARWEN woman plagued by domestic violence and debt has turned her life around - and is telling her story to help others.

Businesswoman Karen Jones is appearing in an inspirational video of success stories for the Prince's Trust 30th anniversary.

The single mum of one had her home repossessed after a violent relationship came to an end and she thought there was no hope.

But Karen, who always dreamed of owning her own florists, found the Prince's Trust - a charity for helping 14 to 30-year-olds - and made it happen.

She completed a business course while working at various florists in Blackburn and was taught how to set up a successful business plan.

Within a month of completing the course, the Prince's Trust awarded her a £3,500 loan and a £1,500 grant to set up Pick of the Bunch, in Blackburn Road.

Karen, now 37, said: "I gave up my job and had a child. But then my ex-boyfiend lost his job. It was time for me to leave. When I left all I had was my three-year-old son Jonathan, his pram and a bag of dirty washing.

"I had really low self-esteem but always felt I had the ability to run my own business.

"I went to the bank for a loan but they couldn't help because of my low credit status. Then someone recommended The Prince's Trust and I've never looked back. It's taken a few years to get a reputation but now I'm living my dream."