A BRADFORD catering scheme providing training and employment to people with learning disabilities has been recognised as one of the region's top three social enterprises.

FoodWorks received the top-three ranking at the Social Enterprise Yorkshire and the Humber Awards.

Manager Kerrie-Lee Barr was also named as one of the top three social entrepreneurs at the ceremony.

Launched in 2011, FoodWorks now offers 74 day placements and employs ten adults with learning disabilities.

The scheme offers a high-quality outside catering service and now boast the likes of Santander, BBC and Johnson and Johnson on their books as customers in West Yorkshire.

It also has a café and event space at Kala Sangam, St Peter's House, Forster Square which opened last year.

The café, which replaces the former Daisies Cafe, will be open daily, offering a range of food, and is also available as a venue for private events, with bespoke menus available.

Part of Yorkshire Housing’s SupportWorks, Foodworks offers structured training for people with learning disabilities at its dedicated training kitchen.

Kerrie-Lee Barr says the firm is delighted after scooping the recognition at the awards.

She said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be named as one of the region’s top three social enterprises.

"We have a great team who want to make a difference to the lives of trainees and are also passionate about food.

"Both our café and training kitchen are vibrant and buzzing with life, and the food we create reflects this.

"We won’t be resting on our laurels, at the moment we’re looking at opportunities to expand so we can offer more training opportunities.”

Sean McKibben, Yorkshire Housing’s head of care and support, said: “We’re really pleased Kerrie and the team are receiving the recognition they deserve.

"Catering customers know they’ll get good quality food and the training it offers is helping people with learning disabilities reach their potential and live their lives to the full, it’s a winning combination.”

Judge Annie Strik, from Absolute Food, said: ”This award winner’s dedication to improving the lives, and work, of people with learning difficulties knows no bounds.

"Enthusiasm, dedication and passion have been all the ingredients of success for this remarkable person, that, and a double helping of tenacity.

“After a long stint in commercial catering and hospitality, our nominee realised true fulfilment came when she was giving one-to-one support and tuition to other people, and helping disadvantaged people get the opportunities they deserved. “

For more information on FoodWorks, go to yhfoodworks.co.uk.