A 58-year-old man from Knightwick, near Worcester, is hoping to inspire others who think they are too old to find employment.

Richard Knight had been jobless for six months before seeing a New Deal 50+ adviser at Malvern JobCentre.

New Deal 50+ advisers help older people overcome barriers to work, discuss their situation and goals and agree what work is best for them. They can also help them claim an in-work training grant of up to £1,500 when they start work.

Mr Knight started work with Worcester-based gardening firm R E Daniel in July and is progressing well.

With the support of the JobCentre, he was able to obtain a pesticide training certificate and is now about to embark on his second training course funded by New Deal 50+, to get a JCB digger licence.

Mr Knightsaid: "New Deal 50+ really gave me the help I needed to get back to work and pay for specific training I needed to give the skills required to do my new job.

"I'd recommend it to anyone who is aged 50 and over and is looking for some extra help to get back to work."