A Great Yarmouth job seeker has received a chance to change his life after a charity helped him secure his first gainful employment in over 20 years.

Leroy McKenna had his first job interview in 22 years on Tuesday.

Trying to change his ways after spending time in and out of prison, Mr McKenna, 39, enrolled with the employment charity Take A Chance On Me and secured an interview with the ASDA store in Great Yarmouth for its cafe.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Leroy McKenna with his new suit - provided by Take A Chance On Me - before his job interview at ASDA. Picture - James WeedsLeroy McKenna with his new suit - provided by Take A Chance On Me - before his job interview at ASDA. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

The charity provided Mr McKenna with a free business suit and practised interviewing techniques and tips with him.

Mr McKenna's presentation at the interview at the supermarket cafe on Tuesday morning impressed manager Sharon Williams.

She said she knew during the interview Mr McKenna was the right person for the job.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Leroy McKenna (left) with his new boss Sharon Williams. Picture - James WeedsLeroy McKenna (left) with his new boss Sharon Williams. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

"Leroy arrived on time looking very smart in his suit," she said.

"He was very well-presented, honest, and very keen.

"He sincerely wants to prove himself and it's important we give him that chance. I feel he is going to do well here."

For Mr McKenna, this job is a testament to him turning his life around and keeping the promise he made to his late mother.

"Before she died, she asked me to stay out of prison, get off drugs and get myself a job by the time I am 40," Mr McKenna said.

Mr McKenna turns 40 in June.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Take A Chance On Me's Trevor Saunders (left), Leroy McKenna and Great Yarmouth ASDA Kitchen manager Sharon Williams. Picture - James WeedsTake A Chance On Me's Trevor Saunders (left), Leroy McKenna and Great Yarmouth ASDA Kitchen manager Sharon Williams. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

"I knew I was capable of being myself," Mr McKenna added. 

"Take A Chance On Me works. If you want to change, get yourself out there."

Charity founder Trevor Saunders said Mr McKenna's story shows the charity can deliver positive outcomes for both employers and job seekers.

"I am so grateful Leroy got the interview," Mr Saunders said.

"And I'm over the moon he got the job.

"We want to help people contribute to society and start on a new path for a better life."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Leroy McKenna (left) and Trevor Saunders. Picture - James WeedsLeroy McKenna (left) and Trevor Saunders. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Take A Chance On Me continues to look for job seekers, employment partners and funders.

For more information, visit takeachanceonme.org