A YOUNG man with Down's syndrome, who recently started working at Hillers Farm Shop near Alcester, is celebrating after receiving his first ever pay packet.

George Allport, aged 22, from Church Lench, is a part-time permanent member of staff at the shop on Dunnington Heath Farm after passing his trial period over the Christmas season.

He said: “I like everything about my job and the people I work with are really nice.

"Getting my first ever wages was great.”

After receiving help from Patrice Marx, a Worcestershire County Council social worker, George has been able to make the transition to adult life.

George is currently studying hospitality and catering for three days a week at Warwickshire College and does a day of voluntary horticulture work in Studley.

His mum Julia said that he took his college portfolio to the Hillers interview and was offered a job on the spot, starting the very same day.

She added: “George mixes well with the other staff. They absolutely love him - he’s such a character.

“I’m very proud - he’s doing really well.

“George wants to leave home and live independently, and that’s the next step he’s working towards.”

Councillor Shelia Blagg, cabinet member for adult social care, said: "We want to support more people with a learning disability to find paid work and are developing plans for how we will make this happen.

“George's hard work and determination has resulted in paid employment at a local farm shop, of which he and his family should be rightly proud."