A DAD is creating a cafe to offer people with disabilities a place to learn and work.

Simon Donnelly, from Millom, is the man behind Willow of Millom, a community interest company where people with disabilities can find a range of work from employment to volunteering.

The start of the idea came as he realised that work options for children like his daughter Willow, eight, who has Down Syndrome, are 'very limited'.

He wants to give people a place to turn to work where they feel 'comfortable and confident'.

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He said: "Willow has always been treated by everyone in our great town as more than just Willow. She is known by everyone and has an aura about her that people love and gravitate to.

"But I have always wondered what is next for her and children like her in Millom? Work options for children and young adults like Willow are very limited. I am going to change that through the Willow of Millom CIC."

Simon and WillowSimon and Willow (Image: Submitted)

Other than offering support to the local disabled community, they will also be putting a percentage of all profits back into their local area through donations and a community fund that local groups and charities can apply to for financial help.

They are looking for the right premises and over the next few months will start to run a pop-up cafe in Millom.

"First, we want to get the brand out into the community and show what we plan to do when we move into a larger-scale premise, start to build our working family and learn how we can bring energy and life to the cafe," said Simon.

"It will be a great opportunity for people to come along and be part of our journey as we start to create something special.

Simon and WillowSimon and Willow (Image: Submitted)

"Yes, we might drop and spill a few cups and drop a few cakes but bear with us because we will be learning together. Watch out for lots of hugs - Willow is a hugger.

"None of this would have been possible without the help and support we have received from the Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership through Sellafield's Spark Program and being invited to join the School of Social Enterprising Course. Please come along and support our project, this will be the first of its kind in Millom and if we get this one right the whole town will benefit."

For more information visit their Facebook page here.