A charity based in Norton aims to encourage and train the disabled in Ryedale to improve their chances of obtaining work.

Ryedale Work Experience Project Ltd, and tandem company, Rywep Trading Ltd - collectively known as RYWEP - are run by Les Elliott.

"I want to help severely disabled people who spend all their waking time watching television to have a purpose in life," he said. "Whatever their disability, we can help."

The qualified draughtsman, who previously headed a computer design company, continued: "Initially, I thought there must be something better for the disabled, so I hawked the idea of a charity around local businesses. Various people thought it was a great idea until I mentioned sponsorship.

"So I used my own cash, along with a small grant from social services, and started up on a shoestring in a small office in Castlegate, Malton, just over a year ago. After further trials and tribulations I managed to obtain grant from the Rural Development Commission and National Lottery Funding."

Mr Elliott, who is also disabled, wants RYWEP to spread its net further. "Ideally, we want to take computers out into the Ryedale villages to teach groups rather than individuals in their own homes.

He has one member of staff and four volunteers, who produce embroidered garments. "We buy in garments to provide a bespoke embroidery service for our customers," he said.

In addition, RYWEP has the facility to print business cards and brochures on a digital printer. "The trading arm, set up a year ago has broken even, which isn't' bad," he said.

Meanwhile, word is spreading, and a number of able-bodied people are paying £3 per hour to use RYWEP'S computer service facilities.

North Yorkshire is one of only six areas in the UK to have won the contract to pilot the innovative Personal Advisor Service. The bid was made by York and North Yorkshire New Deal Partnership for Employing Disabled People. The scheme will run for two years. A free hotline number has been set up on 0808 1006543.

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