A COLCHESTER man is among a group of students with learning difficulties or autism who have seen success after securing jobs at hospitals across Essex.

Following the completion of year-long internships, the group's success stories were celebrated at a graduation ceremony at Basildon Hospital.

A total of 13 students were awarded their certificates in front of proud parents, job coaches and colleagues from Mid and South Essex NHS Trust.

Of these hard-working graduates, six have now secured jobs at Broomfield, Basildon and Southend hospitals.

Luis Williams, 21, from Colchester, now plays a crucial role as a pharmacy porter at Chelmsford's Broomfield Hospital.

He said: "It's great to be playing my part in making a difference to the lives of patients and I’m glad to be part of such a supportive team.

"This internship has given me the skills and confidence I needed to get my job, with staff and job coaches being very helpful throughout."

Rob Brunger, associate director of human resources at the trust, said: "The success of Luis and other supported interns is very important to us."