A HOSPITAL-based employment project for young adults with learning disabilities is gaining a national reputation for excellence.

Project Search Derriford is inspiring new schemes across the South West.

Now in its second year, the Plymouth project has supported six of its first year interns into paid employment.

Nationally, approximately seven per cent of adults with learning disabilities gain paid employment, yet in its first year Project Search Derriford achieved 75 per cent success rate for its interns.

Interns have gained full-time paid employment in portering, cleaning, car cleaning and administration within the hospital and in external private businesses.

Anne O'Bryan, Project Search UK lead, said: "The Derriford Hospital team is raising the bar for Project Search graduate success.

"We are very proud of them and delighted that many potential Project Search partnerships are visiting this excellent site."

The project has been visited by groups from Bristol, Barnstaple and Torbay hoping to initiate schemes in their own areas.

Susie Rutkowski, co-director and founder of Project Search USA, wrote to Derriford: "Your outcomes amaze and inspire us! Keep up the great work!"

Project Search Derriford is run by Derriford Hospital NHS Trust, City College Plymouth, Pluss and Serco.

The aim is to create employment opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities.

Interns work in a variety of roles within Derriford Hospital, including porter, catering, cleaning, maintaining medical equipment and administration.