A MILFORD Haven dry-cleaning company is helping give job seekers a clean start, by offering its services for free to those who need it.

Keith Mullins and his wife Sandra, who run Spot On dry-cleaning at Milford Marina, have linked up with poverty relief charity Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship (PATCH), to help boost the chances of people going for a job interview.

Anyone needing to ‘spruce up’ a suit or work outfit ahead of an upcoming interview can contact PATCH, who will then refer people on to Keith and Sandra.

PATCH also has a selection of suits that can be borrowed by those who don’t own one.

Keith said: “If we can help someone feel a bit more confident about themselves it might give them the edge they need to get a job."

“Milford Haven hasn’t had a good run recently, and nearly everyone here was either affected or knew someone who was affected by events at Murco,” he added.

“This is a little thing for us, but it could make a big difference to people’s lives.

“We will probably never know if what we’re doing has worked, but if just one person gets themselves into a better position because of it then it makes it all worthwhile.”

Spot On has acted as a drop-off point for donations for the charity for three years, and Keith said he was looking forward to helping in this new way.

“Because PATCH operates by referrals, you know it’s going to people who are genuinely in need,” he said.

“I’ve been impressed with its ethos of trying to get people back into work and help themselves.

“It’s such a worthwhile cause and helps so many local people.”

Tracy Olin, PATCH co-ordinator, welcomed Keith and Sandra’s help.

“This is a fantastic idea,” she said.

“There is more and more competition for jobs and having ‘the right clothes’ could make a huge difference.

“We are so grateful for all that they do to support us, which means in turn they are helping many people who are suffering the effects of poverty all over our county.

“The staff at Spot On are real PATCH heroes!”