A TOTAL of £34,000 has been collected to build a training kitchen for students with autism.

Autism Anglia is celebrating after its further education department can now fund a purpose-built facility at its Kelvedon site.

Further education manager Barbara Morrison said the kitchen would help prepare students for an independent life.

She said: “This project will improve the future for our students.

“It will develop their life skills, giving them the confidence to shop, prepare food, and have an understanding of health and hygiene, which is something we all take for granted.

“On behalf of all the staff and students at the department, I would like to say a very big thank you to all those involved in making this project possible. It will make such a difference to many young people’s lives.”

The funds were raised by the Essex Youth Trust, Augustine Courtauld, HBOS Foundation, PJK Charitable Trust, Eastern Counties Educational Trust, Charles S French Trust, BAA Stansted, Abbey Charitable Trust, Beatrice Laing Trust, Burstead Ladies’ Golf Club, with further sponsorship from David Pomphrett’s big cycle ride.

Fundraising officer Wendy Bixby said: “It is wonderful to see trusts, foundations, groups and individuals coming together to make this project possible.”

For more information, visit www.autism-anglia.org.uk or call Autism Anglia’s head office on 01206 577678.