Unemployed Alison Shaw went to the Jobcentre looking for the career of her dreams.

But the 23-year-old decided to fulfil the dreams of hundreds of children instead and spread festive cheer as Mother Christmas!

Fun-loving Alison, of Wilsden, saw the unusual advert for the job in the Eastbrook Court Jobcentre in Bradford and immediately went for it.

Dressed in the traditional red and white outfit she now helps Santa in his grotto at Asda's Rooley Lane store.

The pair put smiles on the faces of youngsters as they shop with their families.

"I've done so many boring jobs over the last few years that this just seemed like a breath of fresh air," she said.

"I saw it and thought it was so unusual I had to go for it. It was a spur of the moment thing.

"It's great to see the smiling faces of young kids when I ask them what they want for Christmas.

"I love working with people and it gives me a chance to chat to customers who come into the store."

Alison, a former student at Keighley College, has worked in numerous temporary jobs from fruit picking to administration work but she thought the Santa job would add a sparkle to her own and the customers' lives.

She said: "It only lasts until Christmas Eve and every minute has been great. It's a great place to work. After this though I'm going to try and get a job in graphic design.

A Jobcentre spokesman said: "At this time of year we often get requests to recruit jobseekers for Father Christmas vacancies although it is extremely unusual to be asked to find a Mother Christmas as well. We were delighted when Alison showed an interest in the job."

An Asda spokesman said: "Alison is doing a sterling job. It's the first time we've had a Mother Christmas but all the kiddies love her. I'm sure we'll be doing it again next year, and if she wants it the job is hers!"