FAMILY, friends and supporters gathered to celebrate the completion of another year of hard work and study at Café Dome in Brighton Hill, Basingstoke.

This year, 11 students have completed their BTEC in Hospitality and Catering level three, and two students achieved level one.

Excellent teaching was again provided by BCoT tutor Linda Begbie, who delivered a weekly in-house training course. In addition, Café Dome staff taught front of house skills, and in the kitchen, catering and cooking. A team of volunteers ably supported staff and students in the training.

Everyone was proud to see the students collect their certificates and to hear the special words written about them by the volunteers who know them so well. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when one of the students sang a solo, and received a standing ovation.

Café Dome opened in September 2011 in response to a need for training and support for young people with learning disabilities.

Set up as a charity, it has fundraised and obtained grants so that it can offer the opportunity for training and work in a purpose-built kitchen and café, open to the public.

The presentation evening ended with a meal and a game of skittles enjoyed by staff, students, families, trustees and supporters.

For any further information about the courses offered at Café Dome, please see the website thecafeproject.co.uk or email dome@thecafeproject.co.uk.