A PROJECT aimed at helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds is celebrating — after three members scored jobs at a Bolton hotel.

James Mossman, Jason Cosgrove and Levi Ross have been offered jobs at The Premier Inn, after impressing bosses during their two week work experience placements.

The trio secured placements as part of Raise The Youth outreach programme in Great Lever.

Mr Cosgrove, aged 23, of Farnworth, and Mr Mossman, aged 21, of Deane, will work at the Premier Inn in Chorley New Road.

Mr Cosgrove said: “We were told by The Premier Inn that if we stuck at the two-week placement we would be guaranteed a job interview at the end of it.

“We had individual interviews on the last Friday and later that day the lady got us together and told us we had all got the jobs.

“This gives me a better perspective on life. I have an 11-month old son to support and I’ve been out of work for two and a half years, so this has given me a massive confidence boost."

Mr Mossman added: “I’m really grateful for this opportunity. This is the first job where I’ve really had to man up and say to myself ‘I ‘m going to stick to this’.

“It shows that everyone’s a human being and that people like me can get a chance.”

Mr Ross, aged 17, of Great Lever, will work at The Premier Inn in Arena Approach.

He said: “I’m over the moon. I didn’t think I was capable of having a job.

“I’ve learnt a lot since I joined Raise The Youth — it has changed my life a lot and I couldn’t be where I am without it.”

They will now all undertake 12 months of paid training in housekeeping and customer service roles, at the two hotels.

When their 12 months is up, The Premier Inn will decide which roles are best suited to their skills.

Alex English, a social worker at Raise The Youth who worked closely with the trio, said: “I’m very proud of the lads — their success is proof that our programme is working.

“With the new group of youngsters we’ve got now, hopefully we can have another success story like these lads next year.”

The success does not stop there for Raise The Youth.

Two other members, Liam Lambert and Emmanuel Ngama, have both received paid jobs at the organisation.

Mr Lambert is a youth work apprentice and Mr Ngama will work on the kitchens making food for the young people.