A HAMPSHIRE attraction is celebrating the opening of a new-look cafe that will provide vital work experience for people with learning difficulties.

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 serves a selection of light lunches, plus cakes and barista coffee.

Describing the opening a Minstead Trust spokesman said: "The day provided a great opportunity for all those present to meet apprentices Louisa and Corey.

"They are supported by the Trust and learning customer service and catering skills that will help towards employment."

Daily Echo: The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the revitalised cafe at the Bursledon Brickworks Museum.The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the revitalised cafe at the Bursledon Brickworks Museum.

Louisa, 25, added: "I enjoyed showing people the skills I have in baking and meeting new people. Being on the apprenticeship programme has given me more confidence to be able to do more."

Jay Powell, director of social enterprise at the trust, described the opening of the cafe as a "fantastic day".

"It celebrates a new relationship with the Brickworks Museum and its community and a new opportunity for people with learning disabilities, who we are committed to supporting."

Daily Echo: Corey serves drinks at the revitalised cafe at the Bursledon Brickworks Museum. Pictures: Minstead Trust.Corey serves drinks at the revitalised cafe at the Bursledon Brickworks Museum. Pictures: Minstead Trust.

Paul West is treasurer of Bursledon Brickworks Museum Trust.

Speaking in March he said: "We anticipate the revitalised café will attract new custom in addition to our regular visitors and are really pleased it will offer work and opportunities to those needing special support."

Museum director Carolyne Haynes added: "The museum is very excited that Minstead Trust are taking over the running of the café.

"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.

It closed in 1974 for several reasons, including the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The brickworks had not been updated during their working life and turning them into a modern plant that met modern safety requirements would have been almost impossible.

In 2012 the site was awarded a £666,300 grant towards the cost of turning it into a museum.

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