A YOUNG entrepreneur who struggled to get a job has now been named as one of 50 top businesswomen to watch.

Kirsty Devlin, from Bolton, was featured in the Top 50 Future List at the Northern Powerhouse Women Awards, recognising her work in setting up her own Manchester based social media agency, Social Cinnamon.

The 23-year-old was inspired to get into business after reading Hilary's autobiography, and the former Dragons Den star has pledged to mentor her after the pair connected on Twitter.

Having left St Joseph's High School in Horwich and Runshaw College she found it difficult to find work, before graduating from Edge Hill University in 2014 with a degree in business and management.

Kirsty says she was at a low ebb during that time, but now wants to use her story to encourage others to follow her lead and strive to achieve their ambitions.

She said: "In 2012 I was unemployed and struggled for months to get a job. During my spell on job seekers allowance, I was at an all time low, felt unwanted but knew I was good enough.

"That year I read about my fellow Boltonian, Hilary Devey, in her autobiography Bold as Brass.

"She energised me and gave me all the motivation I needed to get out of the situation I was in at the time. The girl from Bolton now earns in excess of £100 million a year. If she can do it, why can't I?!

"I have gone from strength to strength. I finished my degree in 2014 and then was accepted onto an apprenticeship with Bolton Council.

"I now own my own social media agency Social Cinnamon based in Manchester.

"I want to be an example to those struggling, whether that's being confused about what path to go down or struggling to find a job.

"I really want to be an example to young people in Bolton. To not give up on their dreams. I want to encourage people to leave the negative people behind and start looking forward. No matter how bad the situation is, There is always a solution. I'm proof of that.

"You have everything you need — as long as you bring your Bolton charm and enthusiasm that's all anyone really needs."

She was included in the first ever Top 50 Future list, which organisers say recognises "influencers, leaders and change makers of the future who are already making a difference in their environments and communities".

Others to be featured include BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Anna Foster and Dawn Bracegirdle, community cohesion manager at the Manchester United Foundation.