A programme designed to get people with additional needs back into work, has been credited with transforming a 27-year-old man’s life.

Michael Reynolds, from Shawbury, used to work in catering before he was made redundant during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nine months ago, he started volunteering at Fordhall Farm in Market Drayton, which his family said brought him out of a difficult place.

Reynolds added it helped him to “get away from day-to-day life,” and acted as “a day out”.

He is one of more than 1,350 young people who have been supported through an employability and enterprise programme, delivered by four charities across Shropshire.

After being referred by his Jobcentre work coach, Reynolds joined up at a time where he was struggling with his mental health, confidence and a sense of direction.

He originally went with his mother but he eventually gained the confidence to go by himself.

Since then, he said he learned a lot being a part of the group.

“I have done all sorts, all sorts, trimming back brambles, conservation work, tidying up, setting up for events.”

He added that since joining, he developed a passion for the environment and wanted to continue working in conservation in the future.