A Lichfield woman who had both hips replaced has returned to work with a spring in her step after fearing she would have to give up the job she loved.

June Melsom, aged 59, is on call 24 hours a day when on duty as the live-in manager at the Copperfields sheltered housing complex in Lichfield.

June claimed incapacity benefit while recovering from her hip operations. She wanted to go back to work, but was concerned about how she would cope with the needs of elderly residents and thought she would have to leave her job.

A meeting with personal adviser Theresa Jewell at Jobcentre Plus turned things around.

Theresa explained the help on offer from the Pathways to Work programme and June decided to give it a go.

Her mobility was poor and she was constantly in pain so Theresa suggested joining the Pathways to Work Condition Management Programme (CMP). They referred June to a pain management clinic and a local gym to help with her mobility. She also joined Weight Watchers.

June said she is delighted with the support she received: "Pathways to Work is wonderful. The motivation and support helped me regain my mobility. Without it, I would have had to give up my job.

She added: "The pain management clinic has really helped. I have been 'Star of the Month' at my local gym. I would never have considered joining a gym or going to Weight Watchers before Pathways to Work."

On her return to work, June was advised about the ongoing support available and is getting Return to Work Credit payments of £40 a week.

Theresa, incapacity benefit specialist adviser at Lichfield Jobcentre Plus said: "The change in June from when we first met until she returned to work has been amazing. She had given up all her hobbies and interests due to the pain she was in. Now not only has she achieved the goals she set herself but has exceeded them."

The freephone number for Pathways to Work in Staffordshire is 0800 032 0525 and there is information available in jobcentres.