MORE THAN 100 east Manchester residents were celebrating on Tuesday at a special graduation ceremony as they officially moved into employment, some for the first time.

After an extensive eight week training course 130 local residents have secured jobs at the new Tesco Extra store in Gorton, which will open at the end of next month.

The graduation ceremony was hosted by Tim Campbell, Sir Alan Sugar's first TV apprentice, at Gorton Monastery.

The graduates include single parents, older people who have been made redundant, younger people who have never worked and residents who have been claiming incapacity benefit.

The new supermarket is a Tesco Regeneration Partnership store and focuses on providing training and employment opportunities for people who have been out of work for more than six months.

53-year-old Jimmy Jackson from Gorton was worried his age would stop him from finding work after he lost his caretaking job.

Jimmy, a father of two, said: "I was totally demoralised and shattered after losing my job.

"Before the job at Tesco came along I was beginning to despair because I was applying for jobs and wasn't getting anywhere.

"The initiative has given me a reason to get up in the morning - I can't wait to get on board."

Martin Wills, 22, from Newton Heath, lost his job after losing half his finger in an accident and has now set his sights on becoming a store manager one day.

Martin, who has spent most of his life caring for his mum who has epilepsy, said: "I found it very difficult to get work as a result of my injury and I got turned down for a number of jobs, including the army.

"When I found out I'd been selected by Tesco I got such an adrenaline rush, it was so exciting and I was really chuffed.

"I feel like I've been given another chance in life."

For single mum-of-six Denise McGlade this is a fresh start for her after falling on hard times.

Denise, 38, said: "Tesco has provided me with a brand new start and a new beginning in life and it's no exaggeration to say that this job has saved me - I don't know what I would have done without this opportunity.

"I'm going to work hard to take my children away on holiday and I'm so excited."

More than 2000 long-term unemployed people from Gorton and the surrounding area registered their interest to join the partnership.

700 went through an interview skills session before being interviewed and just over 130 were successful.

Michael Kissman, corporate affairs manager for Tesco said: "The graduation ceremony was an excellent opportunity for us to celebrate the success of the people who have worked hard to complete their training. They have demonstrated a tremendous amount of commitment throughout each stage of the recruitment process, and we are delighted to welcome them to the Tesco team."

The 30-year-old Apprentice winner Tim Campbell, said: "The achievements of the graduates are to be applauded and act as an example to others as to what can be done with determination and effective support."

Tesco's flagship store is set to open its doors in the new Gorton District Shopping Centre on Monday, October 27 and the store brings together a number of key organisations including New East Manchester, Work Solutions, Jobcentre Plus, The Manchester College, Manchester City Council, the Learning Skills Council and SureStart.