A former soldier who went viral after appeal for work to stop him 'dying of boredom' has landed a job in a cafe.
Joe Bartley, 89, said he was 'over the moon' after passing his first ever interview to become a waiter at the Cantina Kitchen and Bar near his home in Paignton, Devon.
He starts on Sunday but has already proved a hit with regulars whilst he's been learning the ropes.
The widower, who retired from his last job as a college cleaner six years ago, said: "I don't think I've had a job interview before. I'm joyfully surprised at the outcome - I'm really glad I got it."
Joe, who has no children and lives alone after his wife Cassie died last year, added: "I've spoken to a lot of people here already.
Image credit: SWNS
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"They all seem really nice and one lady gave me a kiss. You don't see anybody where I am, in a flat, so I'm looking forward to getting involved and meeting people."
The pensioner, who served as a wireless operator with the 6th Airborne Divisional Signals in Palestine after World War Two, was inundated with offers after taking out an ad last week saying: "Save me from dying of boredom!"
He hopes to work around 20 hours a week waiting, cleaning and preparing veg at the cafe.
Co-owner Kate Allen, 43, said: "We're really looking forward to having him."
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Featured image credit: SWNS