WALKING Ad-man Jason Fruen, who turned himself into a human billboard, has been offered a job after his picture appeared in the Manchester Evening News.

Jobless Jason 39, from Little Hulton, Salford, was so desperate to get work after being made redundant six months ago, that he strapped on an A-board giving his details, and stood for four hours at a busy motorway junction during the morning rush hour in the hope of selling his skills.

And yesterday after his story was publicised in the M.E.N. he got a call inviting him to attend an interview with a firm in Trafford Park.

Jason says he was told the job was his if he wants it, but has another meeting with company bosses early next week to discuss final details.

He said: "It's terrific. I did what I did because I'm not the sort of person to sit around waiting for something to happen, but I never expected so much attention."

His walking-ad bid has seen him being interviewed by Channel M, the M.E.N's sister TV station, as well as the BBC, and he says he has received numerous text messages of support from well-wishers.

Jason's DIY signboard says simply `Mechanical Engineer Seeking Employment' and gives his mobile phone number.

He said: "It has given me a real lift that people have taken the trouble to text me wishing me well. I've had the odd rude one as well, but in the main, people seem to appreciate what I'm about."

Jason has used the personal ad approach once before, just after he was first made redundant from his job last year. He stood at the same pitch just off the M60 by Trafford Park, and was lucky enough to get an offer on his first outing.

He said: "A guy spotted me and stopped. He told me frankly that he didn't actually have a vacancy, but said that anyone who was prepared to do what I was doing, deserved a chance."

Jason was given a temporary job, which lasted two and a half months, but eventually he was out of work again, and determined to find new work.

He said: "It's really not any kind of gimmick. I have a mortgage and bills to pay like most other people. I've got funds enough to last me a short while, but after that, nothing."

He said: "It would be nice to get a job that would utilise my engineering skills, but I'm really willing to do anything provided that it involves a fair wage.

"It's great to have been offered a job so quickly, and hopefully it will work out. I will be talking to the firm early next week, and we'll see what happens."