An 89-year-old former soldier who advertised for work to stop him 'dying of boredom' had an interview today and got the job. 

Joe Bartley said he was 'over the moon' after acing his first ever interview at the trendy local cafe, Cantina Kitchen and Bar. 

The widower became his job search a week ago because he was "dying of boredom" and was desperate not to live on state handouts. 

And after his appeal went across the world he was inundated with offers within days - but was chosen his local cafe in Paignton, Devon. 

Joe, a veteran who served and worked as a wireless operator with the Royal Signals in Palestine, has described the last few days as 'crazy.' 

He impressed the cafe owner with his "zest for life" and "great people skills" and was offered a job on the spot where he will be prepping food, cleaning and waiting tables. 

After a ten-minute chat and tour of the bar and kitchen, Joe accepted and has already tried out the new uniform for size. for his first shift on Sunday. 

Afterwards he said: "I don't think I've had a job interview before. It was a breeze, I wasn't nervous. I'm over-the-moon. 

Glasgow Times:

Picture credit: SWNS  

"I'm joyfully surprised at the outcome - I'm really glad I got it. I start on Sunday and I'm looking forward to it. 

"I've spoken to a lot of people here already. 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." 

Joe, who lives alone after his wife Cassie died last year and has no children, hopes to get involved in general waiting at the cafe, as well as veg prep and cleaning. 

He hopes to work around 20 hours a week, possibly every day at the venue - and says he would also be keen on a bit of overtime. 

Cantina Kitchen and Bar, which opened four months ago under new management, serves breakfasts of avocado on toast, fry-ups, and does lunches and dinners in the evening. 

On Sundays it really comes alive, according to the manager, and even has live music. 

Joe's trial shift begins at 11am - when they serve roast dinners - and he hopes it will be the start of a long career. 

He added: "It's crazy - I didn't think this would happen. 

"I just want enough to cover my rent. I don't want to live on benefits." 

Co-owner Kate Allen, 43, said: ""We're really looking forward to having him. 

"We're not in the business of patronising Joe. This is a genuine offer of work. 

"He'd like to do 20 hours or overtime a week and I'm picking him up on Sunday for his first shift." 

Kate, who is also from Paignton, said her partner saw the advert in the paper and she had to give him a call. 

Joe was flooded by calls from newspapers and people offering him work after the advert was seen by the people of Devon. 

The former signwriter and coach painter even had to turn down some offers of work because he was getting so many calls. 

And cafe boss Kate made sure she got in there quick, too. 

"I rang the number and spoke to Joe and arranged for him to come down," said Kate. 

"An 89-year-old putting himself out there and showing enthusiasm and proactivity? We can't wait. 

"Clearly he is an extremely likeable gent. 

"We have some really young members of staff - as young as 14. He will be our most senior one. 

"His personality and zest for life was his best quality in the interview. 

"It will be a lot of fun having him around." 

Customers at the cafe said they were already impressed with the newest member of staff. 

Paignton resident Margaret Berwick, 75, said: "This is my local cafe. 

"I'm looking forward to seeing him - I've just given him a kiss. 

"He is a dear old boy - I like him."