A Cumbrian advocacy group has launched a new initiative to help hundreds of people with a learning disability and autism secure permanent paid work. 

People First announced its new Creating Careers project which hopes to change the way that businesses work with people with learning disabilities.

Creating Careers is a whole new approach that puts partnership with local businesses at the heart of supported employment.

Lindsay Graham, director of People First, said: "What we’re looking to do is change things.

"We want to challenge the status quo, to help businesses find employees that have so much to offer; and help people with learning disabilities and autistic people get the jobs that they want. These two things are one and the same."

People First is aiming to secure permanent employment for 200 people over the next three years.

Creating Careers is funded by The National Lottery Community fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and other partners.