A NEW partnership is set to provide more adults with learning disabilities with paid work in Somerset.

Somerset County Council's Work Preparation Services is teaming up with Pluss, a social enterprise that helps thousands of people with disabilities each year gain employment.

One of the first to benefit is Adrian Morris, from Uffculme, who is 52 and has Down's Syndrome.

He works as a kitchen assistant at the Crescent Restaurant at County Hall, Taunton.

Following a period of work experience he started in paid employment last year, supported by SCC's Work Preparation Service.

He receives regular visits at the restaurant from a member of the Pluss team who monitors his progress and helps identify his training needs.

Adrian has also achieved a Food Hygiene qualification with a trainer who specialises in helping people with learning disabilities.

The new partnership brings together a team of over 100 coaches and consultants with a wealth of knowledge on disability in the workplace.

Based in Taunton, Bridgwater, Glastonbury, Yeovil and Huntspill, the project plans to give greater support in getting people with learning disabilities into paid work for at least 16 hours a week.

Adrian said: "I have found the extra support from Pluss really helpful; I have learned how to do my job better."