ALL that blind Adam Tuck wants is to be given a chance.

Adam, 20, from Stamford Bridge, has never let his lack of sight prevent him making his way in the world.

He went to mainstream school and gained nine GCSEs, before studying for three years at Loughborough College, where he gained a GNVQ.

But for the past year, his extensive efforts to find work in the York area have been in vain. He says he has got to several interviews for jobs he feels he could easily do, but never been offered the post.

He says he has missed out simply because of his blindness.

"I don't want to claim benefits," Adam said today.

"I want to work. I just need someone to give a chance to prove myself.

"I will even work voluntarily for a few months to prove myself first.

"I want to wake up in the morning and have a purpose in life. At the moment, although I do voluntary work for the local youth club, I often end up just doing stuff to fill the time. It's frustrating."

Adam says he would ideally like a job on a switchboard or as a receptionist.

"There are a variety of software products to help visually impaired people work successfully on switchboards. These can all be provided by Future Prospects in Swinegate, who will also support me and any employer."

Adam said he had a pleasant, friendly manner, and was very calm and loved talking to people.

He had performed voluntary work on the switchboard at the National Railway Museum in York - with customers sometimes commenting on how helpful he had been - but there had not been any paid positions available there that he could apply for.

Adam said he had suffered since birth from a condition called Peter's Anomaly, which caused damage to the retina. Glaucoma and cataracts had added to the problems in recent years, and he had been registered as blind when he was 17, although he still had some limited sight and was able to get around.

He said he would be willing and able to work anywhere in the York area which he could get to by public transport.

Anyone willing to give Adam a chance with a job interview should contact him on 01759 373430, or email him on adamtuck2005@yahoo.co.uk.

Updated: 11:33 Monday, July 11, 2005