ORGANISERS of a catering project which helps people with learning disabilities in North Somerset are desperately appealing for cash to keep it running.

People with learning disabilities from all over the district attend the Crumbles kitchen at Nailsea’s Scotch Horn Leisure Centre to develop their catering skills and gain experience to enable them to apply for jobs in the food industry.

However, the future of the course is now under threat due to a lack of cash and staff are desperate to keep it running so they can continue to help the 25 people who greatly benefit from the scheme.

Appeal spokesman Martyn Williams said: “Only 6.8 per cent of people with a learning disability are in any form of paid employment.

“Crumbles provides participants with vocational skills and experience in catering. They are able to gain experience of a working commercial environment and gain confidence that they can contribute as part of a team in a work place.

“Jobs in the catering sector are available in the local area. We aim to link local employers with project participants who have appropriate skills and experience.”

Students on the scheme, which is run by the Brandon Trust, make cakes, preserves and other treats to sell in the community, but members now need to raise �5,500 to pay for new equipment and training to enable the course to keep running.

Mr Williams said: “We hope our Christmas campaign will provide funds for Crumbles to purchase appropriate and modern kitchen equipment, so that Crumbles can continue in 2012 to provide essential skills and training to local people with learning disabilities.

“We are looking for help from generous spirited people, local organisations and businesses now, as donations of �100 or more will be matched by The Big Give Christmas Appeal.”

Anyone who donates �100 will receive a special hamper full of handicrafts and produce made by people supported by the Brandon Trust. Anyone keen to support the project can call Martyn Williams on 0117 9077200.