TEENAGE mums in Blackburn and Darwen have proved that having a baby need not be a barrier to getting on in life.

Pre-parenting and parenting courses have provided a gateway for young parents to forge new careers.

Following the completion of the AQA examination board approved courses, many have gone on to study A-levels and vocational courses at Blackburn College.

The first intake for the 10 and 12-week courses - which cover pregnancy and antenatal care, childbirth, breastfeeding, budgeting, debt management and positive parenting - has now graduated at Livesey All Age Centre. The courses included 10 young mums and seven pregnant teenagers.

For 19-year-old Chantelle Baldwin, mum to five-month-old Michael Mark Watson, the course has broadened her horizons.

Chantelle, of Green Lane, Blackburn, said: "The courses were really good and I'm keen to do more in the future as I'd like to learn how I can help my baby develop as he is growing up.

"These courses taught me how to breastfeed and how to be a positive parent, caring for him in a loving way so he's a happy baby."

Even before the courses, Chantelle was a trained mechanic but now she is part-way through a beauty therapy course at the college.

The confidence the parenting classes has given her means she is also now preparing to take her driving test for the first time.

Bill Lovat, the council children's services assistant director, added: "I've been very impressed by the commitment of these young women to the learning programmes.

"They have certainly shown that having a baby need not prevent young mothers from participating in and benefiting from the many learning opportunities available across the borough."

Pregnant young women or parents under the age of 19 can ring Connexions on 01254 267780 for more details about the parenting courses.