Washday blues have brought a red-letter day for single mum Shelagh Shepherd.

After nine years claiming income support to help her out while working hard and bringing up her two sons and daughter, she has finally been able to give it up.

"It was the best day of my life. It was a huge and scary step to take, but I'm so glad I am managing now without that extra support" said Ms Shepherd, 45, of Hampden Avenue, Thame.

And she is doing more than just manage. After years as sole trader as T and S Ironing Services, she becomes a fully fledged business on August 1, complete with staff working for her.

She will carry on taking washing and ironing as she has done so far, but on a bigger scale.

"Other people's washday blues have brought sunshine into my life" she says.

She and her husband Mark moved to Thame 13 years ago from the Isle of Wight in search of work.

Her marriage broke up in 1991 and Shelagh - then Mrs Walsmley - brought up daughter Jo, 18, and sons Mitchell, 16, and Matthew, 14, alone.

"I have always worked hard and did so during that time, but needed state help to get me through.

"I was determined to make a success of my business - my parents before me were very successful on the Isle of Wight - and to be able to drop the state benefit.

"It was a big and scary decision when I did let go, but it was one of the best days of my life. It's been a long and rocky road, but my success shows that it can be done with enough determination.

"I would urge anyone who has a vision like this to give it all they've got - things can turn out right.

"I always believed I was born to be a businesswoman - now I'm proving it."

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