A NEW sandwich shop which is to be staffed by adults with learning disabilities has opened.

The venture from the Barrow-based Croft Care Trust will give work placements to people with learning disabilities so that they can gain valuable experience in the workplace.

But it will also offer tasty produce to hungry customers.

A variety of pies, sandwiches, cakes and smoothies will be among items on the menu. The shop, on Highlands Avenue, has been converted from a post office.

Steven Hibbert, general manager of Croft Care Trust, said: “Crofties only opened this week, however we have had a steady flow of customers, which has built up daily.

“We hope the local community will continue to support the project.

“Those residents who wish to do so are due to start their work placements in about two weeks once we’ve got our processes and stock levels ironed out.

“Residents have visited a couple of times this week to get a feel for the shop and the place. They are really excited and are looking forward to getting started.”

Those behind the project are hoping to encourage community integration whilst also teaching transferable skills.

The Croft Care Trust is a charity based in Barrow’s Hawcoat Lane, which has prided itself on innovation.

Mr Hibbert said: “The charity has always been forward thinking and 24 years ago opened the first residential care village in the area."