Ministers say they have helped more than 40,000 people claiming job seeker’s allowance and related benefits to become entrepreneurs running their own businesses.

The business range from a weight loss coach and a vegan restaurant to a bespoke wedding service and a firm of builders.

The entrepreneurs got their chance under the government’s New Enterprise Allowance scheme (NEA) launched in 2011 as part of ministers long-term growth plans.

Government figures show that 40,240 new businesses have been launched – about 2,000 every month – since the scheme got off the ground.

NEA offers mentoring and financial support to people on the dole, lone parents and people claiming sickness benefits, who want to start their own business.

Employment minister Esther McVey said: "It's particularly welcome that so many women have started their own business through NEA.

“This shows the benefit of having an expert mentor, and I'd like to encourage more business experts, especially women, to sign up to help the next generation of entrepreneurs secure their future."

The figures showed a diverse range of people being help. Some 9,200 business were founded by people aged 50 and over, 2,900 by young people and 7,400 by disabled people.