A CAFÉ providing work opportunities for people with learning disabilities, has celebrated its fifth anniversary.

Café No.5, based at number five, High Street, was the Barry-based charity, ValePlus’ fifth project when it opened in October 2012.

Barry mayor, Cllr Nic Hodges helped the café’s supporters cut and eat the anniversary cake before they were later joined by Vale AM Jane Hutt.

The café aims to train its service users in work related to the catering business with the hope of them gaining paid employment.

One of the cafe’s trainees has gained a job at Gregg’s in Penarth following the catering experience she gained by working at Café No.5.

Café manager, Hannah Prangley said the café currently catered for around 26 people training in all aspects of the job and studying for qualifications.

She said: “They are involved in the day-to-day running of the café, they learn numeracy, and preparation in the kitchen. It’s helping them towards independence. They also get social skills. Some are so shy to start with, but they end up approaching customers.”

Service user, James Savory, 34, added: “It’s brilliant. It makes me so happy.”

The café also supplies Barry Town Council when it needs catering for its events.

Barry mayor, Cllr Nic Hodges said: “It’s an exciting initiative and very successful. ValePlus is the caterer for Barry Town Council and they do a superb breakfast.”

Vale AM Jane Hutt said: ““I was delighted to join Vale Plus to celebrate 5 years of Café No 5-this lovely café serves delicious home-made meals and snacks with excellent customer service.”

Café No.5 in High Street, Barry, is open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.