Ananova:

The Government's New Deal job scheme is helping a woman to train as a Britney Spears impersonator.

Debbie Lancaster, 24, is getting advice on how to make a living as a look-alike of the teen pop sensation, according to The Daily Telegraph.

She has received study packs and backing CDs through the New Deal and is hoping to get a PA system and one of Britney's trademark microphone headsets.

Mrs Lancaster, formerly a civilian worker for the Ministry of Defence, hopes to perform in clubs and bars in her home town of Tidworth, Hants.

She persuaded the New Deal to back her cause after performing an impromptu Britney hit in her local Job Centre.

The married mother of one has copies of Britney's school uniform outfit and red PVC catsuit and has learnt nine songs, including Baby One More Time.

Jonathan Beeston, Mrs Lancaster's New Deal adviser, said: "We are providing only the essentials for her act. She will have to provide her own stage costumes and any other little extras. "

Mr Beeston said he was "100%" behind Mrs Lancaster and added: "She has a lot of talent. Everybody who has seen her has said she is destined for a career in the music industry. She has a celebrity feel to her."

He declined Mrs Lancaster's offer to become one of her backing dancers.