FORMER trainees and staff have helped an innovative North Yorkshire social enterprise charity to celebrate its tenth anniversary

Paperworks, the Harrogate-based organisation, is marking ten years since it was established in 1994 in response to Care in the Community to provide essential work experience and training for people with a range of learning or physical disabilities, which include sensory impairments and mental health problems.

The celebrations at the charity's Hookstone Road headquarters, also attended by customers, included a tea party, speeches, an exhibition and a presentation of awards.

Since its launch, Paperworks, which provides a commercial print finishing and packing business to a range of commercial, public sector and voluntary organisations, has also helped dozens of trainees find permanent jobs, a greater degree of independence and self-esteem.

Among the celebration guests was Sue Watson, one of Paperworks' original trainees, who has just been awarded a long service medal by Harrogate department store, Hoopers, where she has worked in the restaurant for five years.

YTV Calendar presenter, Carolyn Hodgson, who presented awards to some trainees, helped Paperworks ten years ago by featuring its trainees in an YTV fashion show in which she gave them makeovers to bolster their confidence in seeking jobs.

Businesses which want to benefit from Paperworks' services can phone 01423 816999.

Updated: 09:42 Wednesday, October 20, 2004