JOBLESS Darren McGreavy is keeping his fingers crossed after a promising interview for a job in the Royal Household at Buckingham Palace.

Darren, aged 24, of Mackenzie Grove, Astley Bridge, who has been out of work for three years was called for an interview at the Palace when he wrote to the Queen on spec asking if there were any job vacancies.

When he wrote his letter, he didn't even expect a reply but, within a few days, Darren got an application form from the Palace and a letter inviting him to apply for a post in the Royal kitchens.

And yesterday the former Sharples High School pupil, who has a catering background, was interviewed at the Palace by the Head of the Royal Household and is quietly confident that he will be successful.

He was shown round the kitchens, where he hopes to be a porter, by the Head Chef and said he enjoyed every minute of his trip to the Palace.

He told the Evening News: "It was a great experience being at Buckingham Palace because I've never been before.

"I'm being considered alongside a lot of other people but I think I stand a pretty good chance. They told me I might have to wait a couple of days or a couple of weeks to hear, depending on when a vacancy comes up."

Darren, who lives with his girlfriend Carol Aspey and 19-month-old daughter, Amy, said he was reaching the end of his tether and, with news that his second child was on the way, was desperate to get a job.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.