Single mothers in Braithwaite will be given a free hairdo, nail manicure and clothes in a bid to get them back into work.

The government-sponsored "pampering" comes as part of a new course aimed at improving lone parents' self-esteem.

The women will also be taught practical skills in areas such as basic computers, job search and applying for jobs. They will receive a "before and after" video showing how they have changed during the six-week programme.

Recruitment consultants IMS have been commissioned by Keighley JobCentre to run the confidence-building course.

Men as well as women single parents are welcome to attend.

IMS is visiting the Keith Thompson Centre, in Braithwaite, on Wednesday to recruit people for the course. Staff were invited after John Philip, a Keighley town councillor representing the estate, heard about IMS's work.

The course has already been run successfully once at IMS's Keighley offices, in the former Peter Black building, and several times in Bradford.

Sarah Grisag, a manager with IMS, said the pampering aimed to give people a new start, building their confidence both emotionally and in appearance.

She said: "It's a transformation to get them back into work or bridge the gap. It's not a classroom scenario -- there are no tests.

"The beauty is that the lady who runs the course, Angie Drake, has been a single parent herself. She knows how to key-in to the people."

Cllr Philip, treasurer of Braithwaite People's Association, said he was initially sceptical about the course, but was impressed once he heard the full details.

He accepted that a makeover, new clothes and extra money could make the difference to people run down by the pressures of bringing up children.

He said: "It's building up people's esteem so they feel more confident about going back to work. They are making a new beginning.

"Most of the people probably won't have been employed for at least two or three years. This gives them an ego boost so they can go out and do more work."

The latest Keighley course began this week, but people can join next week so long as they are a single parent receiving either Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance.

Sessions -- open to people from anywhere in Keighley -- run every weekday from 10am to 2pm, with free childcare provided by registered childminders.

Travel expenses will be paid, with minibuses provided if several people live in one area. Participants will each receive £15 each week in addition to their normal benefits.

Anyone interested in joining the course can go to the Keith Thompson Centre, Braithwaite Avenue, on Wednesday from 10am, when refreshments will be provided.

Alternatively they can contact lone-parent advisers Claire, Jacqui or Karen at Keighley JobCentre on 01535 304518.