SHE was keen to get back into work so that she could provide for her young son.

Now, thanks to the Daily Echo, Cheryl Ballard has landed her ideal job.

The 25-year-old from Weston, Southampton, featured in our Give Me a Chance campaign, which aims to match young jobseekers with employers.

When John Penny from John Penny Restoration Ltd saw her photograph and details of her skills and experience in the Daily Echo he quickly contacted us to put them in touch.

The single mum previously worked as a cleaner for Southampton General Hospital but needed a job that would fit around school hours so she could be there for her five-year-old son who started school in September.

Now she works 16 hours a week as a team member at the family business, in the City Industrial Park, which sells products to restore antiques as well as oils and stains for the home.

Her role involves basic administration, handling stock, answering the telephone and taking orders and she earns £117.60 per week.

Cheryl said: “I was a little nervous to start with because it’s something totally different to what I’m used to but I’m getting better and I’m enjoying it so much. It’s my ideal job as it’s such a nice place to work.

“And because it is part-time I have time for my little boy and money to do things with him.

“I want to thank the Daily Echo for helping me, if it wasn’t for them I think I’d still be out of work now.”

Company director John Penny said: “This is a whole new kind of business to Cheryl but she is doing well and we’re really pleased with her.”