Alan Bilbie (37) from Norton Canes has been given the chance to make a living from his hobby - thanks to help from Pathways to Work. Alan has set up his own business selling toy and collectables at Rugeley Market, after claiming Incapacity Benefit for several years.

Alan was able to start his new business thanks to advice from Jean Hattersley a personal adviser at Cannock Jobcentre. He made the decision to start his business after finding he we would be eligible for Return to Work Credit.

Alan's rapidly expanding business now attracts customers from all over Europe and the United States through his website, with growing interest from fellow enthusiasts crazy about Hornby train sets, diecast models and other collectables.

Alan said: "Jean has been really supportive and even after I came off benefit I felt I could call and ask her advice. My family are all benefiting form me working again, my son helps me restore the collectables and my daughter enjoys serving on the stall. We are benefiting, I have even bought a touring caravan and we go away at weekends .This is something I never dreamt I would be able to do when I was on benefits."

Jean Hattersley said "Alan did not think he could be better off in work until we did the calculations. He has worked very hard to set up his business and his family are all enjoying the benefits. There are a range of measures and advice available to people get back into work Jobcentre Plus advisers are here to help. I would advise anyone in Alan's situation to contact us to see how we can help them.

Return to Work Credit is extra money available to people who are on the Pathways to Work Programme and starting to work (including self employment) and may be eligible to claim. It is a payment of £40 a week for 52 weeks for people working at least 16 hours per week and earning no more than £15,000 per year.