Homeless people are gaining work experience through charity Porchlight working with Asda in Broadstairs on a pilot programme.

A special programme has enabled seven people, staying in Porchlight’s supported accommodation projects around Kent, to spend a day at the store, with a chance to work on the shop floor.

They also received interview and job seeking advice from Asda’s community life team.

Store Manager, David Jones, said: “We wanted people to come away from the day feeling confident about searching for employment.

“It was a pleasure to be able to offer such a unique opportunity to people who have experienced difficult times in their lives.

"I was immensely impressed with everyone who came along. This the first time that Asda has done anything like this and after such a positive experience we will definitely be doing it again.”

Participant Aaron Borda, 22, made such an impression that he was offered the chance to assist with the store’s community life team for a week.

He said: “The whole day was exhilarating and I’m grateful for such an amazing opportunity. I have been searching for work for six months now so hopefully this will help my CV to stand out.”

Porchlight’s employment co-ordinator Mark Pinkney said: “I can’t thank ASDA enough for giving our service users a taste of real working life.

"We are fully committed to helping homeless people compete in the job market and the support of local businesses can make the aspiration to work a reality.”