THE efforts of a Kidderminster youngster who has fought to get into work while trying to overcome “exceptional challenges” have been celebrated at Buckingham Palace.

Jack Readman, 17, was homeless for about three months when support service Connexions referred him to staff at Working Rite – a Government funded charity which finds placements for young people.

They approached Oh Sew Crafty owner Neil Laird, who took him on about four months ago to work in the Hoo Farm Industrial Estate-based warehouse.

He was then chosen to attend Tuesday’s Royal gathering, hosted by Prince Andrew, of organisations which help young people.

The teenager was determined to get into work to improve his situation but, with little qualifications, had struggled when applying for jobs.

Jack said: “It felt great when someone wanted to give me a chance.

“The visit to Buckingham Palace went really well. I was nervous speaking to Prince Andrew but he told me to keep it up. It has motivated me to carry on working and, hopefully, there is a job at the end of the placement.”

Jack has moved accommodation three times in four month and is now staying in Worcester.

His journeys to and from work take about 90 minutes and include two bike rides and a train ride.

Mr Laird said: “It is where he has been and how far he has come.

"Everyone deserves a chance and for a young teenager to come and make his way from Worcester every day speaks a lot. He is enthusiastic, willing to work and gets stuck in.”

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Working Rite project co-ordinator, Sam Ellis, said she had nominated Jack for the Buckingham Palace trip because he had “faultlessly overcome significant hardships”.

“Everything we have had to address with Jack he has listened and taken on board and changed,” she added.

“He has had to do it all himself and he is a testament to say you can choose to say ‘poor me’ or choose another way.”