A NEW training kitchen and cafe is coming to Old Sarum, in a bid to boost clients' skills and confidence.

Old Sarum Garden Centre, which is run by Salisbury-based charity Alabare, has now raised £6,000 through an online crowdfunding campaign, and the money will be used to upcycle and convert two shipping containers into a cafe.

Internal decorations, furnishings in the dining area, and outside seating will also be covered by the fundraised amount.

The centre, which champions the motto of "We don't just grow plants, we grow people", offers meaningful activity opportunities to those with autism and learning disabilities, with catering becoming the newest activity for clients to try.

At present a total of 45 clients are supported each week by the training centre, with approximately 50 per cent having a learning disability and a further 40 per cent being autistic, and the new development will provide space for five more clients per day.

The training cafe and kitchen provides the opportunity for clients to obtain retail and catering qualifications, as well as improving their employability and social skills.

Markus Fanti, centre manager at Old Sarum Development Centre, said: "I was overwhelmed by the generosity from everyone who was involved in contributing to our cause and thank you all for helping to turn our vision into a reality."

The team are hoping to begin work on the site by the end of September.