THE owner of a sweet treats trailer has told how an “inspirational” teenager he employed has opened his eyes about those with learning difficulties.

Jay Barham, who runs Buttercakes and Sweets, a food trailer in West End Lane, Dovercourt, hired five teenagers to help out with his business back in April.

He was left feeling inspired by one youngster, Caiden Page, 13, who has autism and ADHD yet has thrived in his new role.

The food trailer owner said: “I admit it – I made a lot of judgements before I had even met him but from the shy teenager I first met Caiden has excelled and delivered in every aspect of the job.

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“He is really struggling with school but has now passed his food level one course – I just needed to teach him differently.

“It’s true what they say – if they can’t learn the way we teach, we need to teach the way they learn.

“Caiden has been a true inspiration to me. Not only have I completed a course in ADHD, autism and children with challenging behaviour, I am now studying a diploma in these subjects.”

Gazette: Inspired - Jay Barham and CaidenInspired - Jay Barham and Caiden

Mr Barham took on teenagers Louie Todd, Roman Colquhoun, Bentley Horner, Joshua Fay and Caiden.

Together, their responsibilities involve handling money, serving customers, food preparation and cooking.

They all agreed to take on, and have now begun, a learning work programme, something which hasn’t been run before by the business owner.

The course will take more than two years and will see the teenagers qualified in levels one to three in food hygiene and gain a first aid certificate.

Mr Barham added: “All their attitudes and commitment to the job is amazing. They work really hard to be the best they can be.

“When I first talked about this idea with others I was told I was crazy – sometimes all you need is just a little bit of faith.

“I’m so proud of what they have accomplished so far and can’t wait to see them complete it all.”