A GROUP of disabled people from Teesside have spent the past year gaining valuable work skills in an attempt to overcome unemployment among people with learning difficulties.

About 90 per cent of the 1.2 million people with learning difficulties in the UK are out of work, according to the office for national statistics.

But 27 people with learning difficulties received an Asdan award this week, which focuses on developing skills necessary to find work.

As part of the year-long award, they took part in the Grangefield work preparation project, based in Bishopton Road, Stockton, which offers work experience to about 50 disabled local people each year.

The group learnt to grow plants and make garden furniture, as well as developing job search and interview skills.

They were presented with their awards by the Mayor of Stockton, Terry Bean, on Wednesday.