A CAFE at a Hampshire attraction will be used to provide vital work experience for people with learning disabilities.
The eatery at Bursledon Brickworks Museum has been taken on by Minstead Trust, a charity and experienced cafe operator that supports more than 220 people.
The Brickyard Café, which opens next month, will serve a selection of light lunches, plus cakes and barista coffee.
A Trust spokesperson said: "The café will provide training in customer service and catering for people with learning disabilities, who will also help produce the homemade cakes to be sold on site.
"A structured training programme will help people work towards employment, to enable them to live more independent lives."
The charity is also planning to set up a business that will stage weddings and other events at the atmospheric venue, with the launch due to take place in the summer.
Adam Dodd, the Trust's chief executive, said: "Increasing work training opportunities for people with learning disabilities is at the core of our mission.
"Having a job helps people to build their self-worth, feel pride in their endeavours and ultimately live more independent lives.
"We are looking forward to working with the team at the museum to offer great quality refreshments to their visitors, who I hope will relish the difference their custom is making for people with learning disabilities."
Paul West is treasurer of Bursledon Brickworks Museum Trust.
He said: "We anticipate that the revitalised café will attract new custom in addition to our regular visitors, and we are really pleased that it will offer work and opportunities to those needing special support in their lives which extends the existing such ethos of the museum."
Museum director Carolyne Haynes added: "The museum is very excited that Minstead Trust are taking over the running of the café and using the museum as a venue for events.
"We see so many opportunities for both charities by working together in this way and can’t wait to get started."
The site at Swanwick Lane, Swanwick, was established by the Ashby family in 1897 and at one stage produced 20 million bricks a year.
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