AN INSPIRATIONAL Stockton man told his story to social services policy-makers at a national conference yesterday.

Mark Crosbie, who was told as a teenager that he would never work, told delegates about his struggles to succeed.

"I wanted to tell my story to give other people the chances I have had. You can do it," said Mr Crosbie, who is now 25.

Mr Crosbie, who has learning difficulties, left college when he was 19, with no idea of what he could do next.

His mother, Pat, found out about the Shaw Trust and doors started to open.

Mr Crosbie joined the Shaw Trust Stockton Project and now works three days a week at Asda.

"I really enjoy my job," he said. "Working makes me feel like everyone else because having a job is part of who we are."

He unveiled his story at a fringe event, organised by the charity Shaw Trust, as part of a three-day National Social Services conference in Newcastle.

The trust works with 40 health authorities and social services departments and aims to become the UK's major not-for-profit provider of employment-based health and social care day provision.

"We can offer a full range of services for severely disabled people," said the Shaw Trust's chief operating officer, Tim Cooper.

In addition to the Stockton Project, a scheme in Middlesbrough includes manufacturing firm Ayresome Industries.

For Mr Crosbie, the Shaw approach meant on-site personal development, travel training and off-site work experience which led to his paid job.

"Shaw Trust was the light at the end of a dark tunnel," he said. "I wasn't sure what was round the next bend for me. It is not a nice world when you don't know what your place in it is."

The Shaw Trust has a freephone number: 0800 085 1001.