A HEARTWARMING scheme, which acts as a bridge between training and real jobs for people with learning disabilities, has attracted the highest praise from a North-East MEP.

Stephen Hughes toured the Techworx factory on Darlington's Cleveland Road industrial estate on Friday before performing the official opening.

He declared: "Having talked to a number of people this morning, I have rarely met such an enthusiastic and totally committed workforce anywhere in the North-East."

He had listened to Tony Bennett, senior production manager with Thorn Lighting of Spennymoor, state: "The work done by these people is excellent. We never have to check it, it is spot on - 100pc all of the time. The Techworx people deserve to be applauded."

Mr Hughes agreed: "The quality of their work is something we need to demonstrate to employers in the area. We have a group of people here with the abilities to go into all sorts of workplaces.

"We need to break down barriers and get people out into the world of work."

The factory has been set up with £25,000 from the European Social Fund, match funding from Darlington Borough Council and a grant of £20,000 from One NorthEast.

The Euro MP said the money helped ensure people were constantly educated throughout their lives, so they had a skills they needed to get into a very competitive labour market.

"We also want to encourage people to set up their own businesses by giving financial support and ensuring they survive in the longer term.

"And we want firms to be flexible enough to be able to move quickly as markets change."

He emphasised the importance of equal opportunities, not just for men and women. "We want to end discrimination on the grounds of race, religion or age - and the latter becomes more important to me with every passing year. People have the right to participate fully in the world of work."

Coun Bill Dixon, social services cabinet member, said there had been groundbreaking changes since the borough council took over the department in 1997.

He saw the new factory as a stepping stone for people who initially trained at Beck House, Faverdale, integrating them into the community not only through work, but also socially through sport and leisure.

Mac Powton, services development officer for Darlington Learning Disability Service, told the D&S Times that the scheme helped 25 people get into the work ethic.

Some of the surrounding businesses had been so impressed by their skills that they had been offered work placements.

Tony Severi, Techworx project co-ordinator, said: "We want to thank Thorn for their valuable support, help and understanding in providing these opportunities for our people and recognising that individuals with a learning disability can provide a useful and valued contribution to society and to community life.

He added: "People's dignity and self esteem is at an all time high - thanks to you."