A TEENAGER with learning difficulties was inconsolable when thieves nearly cost him his first job after a three-year search for work.

Jonathan Cowell was deprived of transport to Remploy's Deepdale factory after his mountain bike was stolen from the garage of his home on Waterloo Road, Ashton.

This came after he had just achieved a permanent position following a trial period.

But thanks to the Pat Winder and Alan Sloan from the Disability Service Team at Preston's Ringway Jobcentre, Jonathan was put back on his bike, rather than sent on it by his employers.

They secured him a £300 grant from the government's New Deal programme to help the unemployed find work.

And he used it to buy a new 18-gear mountain bike.

"The bike is brilliant," said Jonathan, 19, "It's got 18 gears -- but luckily the journey to work is quite flat!

"I get on well with my workmates, and it's nice to be able to afford new things. I've bought some new clothes and a CD Walkman already."

The money is from Adviser Discretion Fund, from which Jobcentre advisers can spend up to £300 on anything that will help a New Deal participant find a job. Alan and Pat decided to approve the money for Jonathan after previously helping him find the job packing cosmetic products at Remploy.

Jonathan's mum, Pat, said: "We cannot speak highly enough of the Disability Service staff. The bike was the icing on the cake, and a dream come true for Jonathan -- especially after his other bike was stolen.

"Thanks to the Adviser Discretion Fund, Jonathan's journey to and from work is now far easier. He can make his own way there and doesn't have to rely on lifts from the family." Jackie Almond, Remploy's employment development co-ordinator, said: "Jonathan has settled in very well. His mountain bike is never out of his site -- he has chained it up inside the factory, where he keep keep his eye on it."