TWO newly-qualified midwives, who earlier this summer told Star readers of their fear they could have to commute all the way to London to pursue their dream career, are delighted to have found work closer to home... at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan.

Friends Susan Fishwick (33) and Sharon Bell (31) both passed a demanding three-year midwifery course at Edge Hill College with flying colours in April, but were stunned by the lack of local jobs.

Now, after months of frantic job searching, the diligent duo are finally set to kick-start their careers - and in the same hospital too!

Susan, of Eccleston Park, said: "We're both a bit nervous about going into work after such a long gap but we're really looking forward to it.

"I was reaching the end of my tether with all the job searching and was willing to travel to London just to work, but this is so much better for me and my family."

As reported in the Star earlier this summer, Susan and Sharon were caught up in the puzzling nationwide shortage of nursing jobs.

According to the Royal College of Nursing, rising financial deficits in NHS trusts are responsible for the recruitment freezes and cutbacks.

One regional newspaper even highlighted the plight of a newly qualified midwife who was considering emigrating to Dubai just to get a job!

But Susan, a former health care assistant, added: "Me and Sharon just feel really lucky to have finally got our ideal jobs.

"I feel sorry for those students who are going to graduate as midwives this month though. I hope they don't have to go through the same struggles as we did."