When 89-year-old war veteran Joe Bartley placed an advertisement in his local paper in South Devon, England, last month looking for work he wasn't expecting much.

"Senior citizen, 89, seeks employment in Paignton area. 20hrs+ per week. Still able to clean, light gardening, DIY and anything. I have references. Old soldier, airborne forces. Save me from dying of boredom!" the advert read.

He says his phone has been ringing off the hook ever since.

"I've been flabbergasted. When I put the advert in I thought, 'Who is going to take any notice of a man seeking employment at age 89?'" Bartley told CNN over the phone.

Since Bartley took out advertisements in the Torquay Herald Express on November 16, and again a week later on November 23, he says he's been on "telly" and "online," interviewed by press as far afield as Sweden.

Crucially for Bartley, who says he wants to find regular work so that he can pay his bills and not have to rely on housing benefits, he's also been offered two jobs - one at a supermarket and another at a café - near his home.

Bartley was a member of the Air Force, and served in what was then known as Palestine, after World War II.

Bartley, who served as a wireless operator between 1946 and 1948, re-enlisted in the army nine years later, serving under Royal Electrical Engineers in France and Germany.

"I was getting bored of civilian life," Bartley said.

Bartley has lived alone in his flat since his wife Cassandra died nearly two years ago. 

He has no children and is not in regular contact with his late wife's family, but said the advertisement - and ensuing media attention - has reconnected him with a few old friends.

Although he hasn't accepted any job offers yet, Bartley said he's looking forward to getting out of the house and meeting new people.