WORCESTERSHIRE County Council’s countryside sites team is celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious accolade.

The team has been named as a finalist in the 'employer of people with a disability' category at the National Learning Disabilities Awards.

An overall winner of the award will be announced at a gala dinner at the International Convention Centre in May.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for localism and communities at the county council, said: "For many young people entering employment is an arduous process but for disabled job-seekers the process is even more challenging.

“This nomination is a wonderful endorsement of all the good work that everyone in the countryside sites team does.”

The team was nominated for the award by Worcestershire County Council in recognition of its work with Mencap, helping those with learning disabilities gain experience for future employment.

This partnership has offered six trainees a one-year, part-time, paid training placement which has enabled participants to find long-term employment.

One trainee is now working as a forklift driver for a supermarket while another is a caretaker at a school.