A GREEN-fingered man from Stourport has got on his bike to display his pedal power and land the job of his dreams thanks to a government employment scheme.

Darren Elrick is now a trainee gardener at Holt Castle near Worcester after taking advantage of the Employment Service's New Deal project.

The 26-year-old undertook a New Deal 18-24 course and qualified to operate garden equipment and chainsaws before joining the 25+ stage to look for permanent work.

Within weeks the vacancy arrived at the castle and he successfully applied for a jobseeker's grant to buy a cycle helmet and repair his bicycle so pedal power could take him the seven miles to the interview from his Broomy Close home.

Mr Elrick, who had been unemployed for nearly three years apart from temporary work last Christmas, left school with few qualifications and work experience.

He said: "It's brilliant to have finally got a permanent job which I enjoy doing.

"The New Deal scheme got me interested in gardening in the first place and as a result I was able to achieve some related qualifications and training."

Joyce Mathieson, Mr Elrick's personal advisor at Stourport Job Centre, said: "Darren still cycles to work and his employer is delighted with his progress as his gardening has brightened the castle's grounds.

"He also told me an added bonus is Darren being able to run the bar whenever it stages a function!"