AN automotive magnate officially opened a vocational training college named in his honour at an autism school today (Friday, April 24).

Sir Peter Vardy joined local dignitaries and supporters of the North East Autism Society to celebrate the completion of a £375,000 project to extend Thornbeck College.

Located at the charity’s education centre in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, Thornbeck College offers a range of vocational courses to students aged 16 and over.

The new purpose-built Sir Peter Vardy Enterprise Centre will allow the college to help even more people with additional needs, including those with autism, into careers such as retail, hairdressing, mechanics, catering and floristry.

Sir Peter, a businessman and philanthropist whose family founded the car dealership Reg Vardy, is a keen supporter of the North East Autism Society, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.

He said: “I have worked with John Phillipson and his team at the North East Autism Society for some time and I admire greatly the work they do.”

Mr Phillipson, chief executive of the charity, added: “It is time we moved away from describing people as having disabilities and simply focus on their needs and help them into employment.

“Twenty-six per cent of graduates with autism are unemployed, which shows how much talent is wasted.”

For more information about the North East Autism Society visit ne-as.org.uk