Two young women from Norwich who have turned their lives around after facing unemployment have been short-listed for a prestigious Royal award.

Hayley Draper, 29, and Stacy Bradley, 25, have been nominated for national awards at The Prince's Trust & L'Or�al Paris Celebrate Success Awards which are being held at London's Leicester Square Odeon today.

The Oscar-style ceremony, now in its eighth year, recognises the achievements of young people who have succeeded against the odds.

Hayley is up for the RBS Enterprise Award which recognises young people who have achieved success in creating a sustainable business or social enterprise

Hayley has overcome several problems including a difficult childhood and later unemployment to set up The Window in Wensum Street which is believed to (possibly) be the world's smallest coffee shop.

With support from The Prince's Trust she opened The Window in 2009 and the business has become a popular coffee shop in the city.

'To be shortlisted for this award is so exciting! Business for The Window is going amazingly well and I can't thank The Prince's Trust enough for all their support and guidance,' she said.

Stacy, from Taveham, has been shortlisted for the L'Or�al Paris Young Achiever of the Year Award which recognises the success of young people in getting into employment, training or education and overcoming substantial barriers to transform their lives and give something back to their community.

Stacy suffered a traumatic childhood and further abuse as an adult, but she was determined to break the cycle, and that determination has led to her success and also her desire to help others.

The mother-of-two, who has gone on to gain qualifications and full-time employment, knows first-hand how difficult it is for single parents trying to also work, and with the help of the Prince's Trust she has also got involved in projects to help people facing similar challenges to herself.

Stacy said: 'The Prince's Trust was a lifeline for me when I needed it the most. Without them I would probably still be unemployed and quite unhappy. It feels amazing to be shortlisted for this national award and I'm so excited about what my future holds.'

• Do you know somebody who has overcome the odds to make a massive achievement? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk