Two workers at Ottery St Mary's Silver Otter Café have earned food hygiene qualifications, thanks to a grant from the town council.

The council gave £2,278 to the Able2Achieve scheme operating at the café, which supports people with learning difficulties and promotes independence. The money has paid for two laptops and online courses. The first two learners to benefit were Josh and Kerry, who have completed a level 2 food hygiene course and passed the exam.

Helen Holmes, Enterprise Coordinator, said:  “Together we are looking at further courses they can take, plus investigating roles they are now qualified for. We expect our other learners to qualify soon.

"The grant has been a real boost to how much training can be completed and also pays for a number of learners to complete upcoming courses.”

The laptops have also been used to help create CVs for learners with Able2Achieve, and search for jobs and work placements that match the qualifications they are about to acquire.

A spokesperson for Ottery St Mary Town Council said: "We are delighted to be able to support the amazing work of Helen and her team at Able2Achieve."