THE minister for Disabled People, Work and Health visited Taunton and West Somerset week to hear about the amazing work being carried out by Foxes Academy in Minehead.

Penny Mordaunt MP visited Foxes Academy and stayed overnight at the hotel before heading to the Royal Marine camp at Norton Manor where she met two Foxes' students undertaking work experience at the base.

"Foxes Academy is a real asset to Taunton and West Somerset, helping empower local disabled people in the workplace.

"As a leader in our Disability Confident scheme, they are also showing employers across the country how they can make the most of the huge pool of untapped talent that disabled people offer," she said.

“In the last year alone almost 300,000 disabled people have moved into work and I am determined to build on this progress by highlighting the excellent example that employers like Foxes are setting for the rest of the UK.”

The minister met Alicia and William, from Foxes Academy, who are on work experience as Kitchen Assistants in the mess kitchen which caters for up to 500 troops and is run by Sodexo Defence as part of the site’s integrated catering service.

Tracey Clare-Gray, Foxes Academy Principal said: "It was a real privilege for Alicia and William to meet Penny Mordaunt during their work experience placement at Norton Manor with Sodexo Defence.

"The Minister was able to see them making a valuable contribution to the mess catering team as they prepared lunch.

"For them it is a great opportunity to transfer the skills they have gained at Foxes Academy into the workplace, leading on to sustainable employment when they leave.

"That is good for society, for support services and their families."