CLIENTS and volunteers at a scheme for people with learning disabilities are to receive awards for growing their gardening business.

Stockton Mayor Councillor Bill Noble will honour members of the Shaw Trust gardening project at a celebration of achievement ceremony on Thursday.

The project, which is backed by Stockton Borough Council, has doubled plant sales in a year and expanded a fundraising garden maintenance business that is booming.

Shaw Trust leader Graham Barker and his team now have 30 regular contracts, ranging from residential gardens to churchyards. Business recently doubled with an order from a local nursing home with five sites.

Mr Barker said: "We knew there was a market out there, and indeed the business is heading towards being self-funding.

"It means we can expand training and work opportunities for our clients, but the biggest boon is that they are learning the work ethic in a real business situation, which is invaluable for those who are progressing to independent employment."

The project provides horticultural training through the Grangefield Gardening Project, where clients grow and sell plants and vegetables for sale to visitors.

Clients also receive training in other skills, including retail, administration and catering.

Staff and volunteers organise work placements in local businesses, where clients are supported by a job shadower if necessary.

Councillor Noble said: "This project has helped people with learning difficulties receive training and employment in an everyday working environment, and I am honoured to present these certificates."