It was cake and balloons all round as Metro Mayor Dan Norris joined local charity SWALLOW to kick off their 30th birthday celebrations.

Chatting over birthday cake and tea, the Mayor heard firsthand from Radstock residents with learning disabilities who are gaining valuable work experience (and serving up some lip-smacking good food!).

SWALLOW Chief Executive Beverley Craney gave the Mayor a potted history of the charity's first three decades. Established in 1993 by people with learning disabilities and a group of supporters, the charity's founders worked tirelessly to develop a new way of meeting people's needs to provide an alternative to day centres and residential homes.

Today they employ over sixty staff and support one hundred and fifty people to live independent, fulfilled lives, teaching them vital skills such as cooking, cleaning and horticulture. They run football, art, drama and youth groups as well as the super SWALLOW Choir.

Whilst the organisation has grown over the years, the group's primary aim – to support local teenagers and adults with learning disabilities live the lives they choose - remains the same.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Over the years, I have seen this charity go from strength to strength. I visited as the local MP, and it is fantastic now to visit as Mayor on such as positive occasion. The service SWALLOW provide for the people of Midsomer Norton and Radstock, and the surrounding areas, is really valuable. Happy 30th Birthday! And here's to the next decades too!".

SWALLOW Chief Executive, Beverley Craney, added: “We are delighted to welcome Dan Norris, Metro Mayor of the West of England, to visit SWALLOW and our Radstock Community Cafe team to help us to launch our year of celebrations commemorating turning thirty years old”.

To ensure all these fun but crucial activities and support can continue for the next three decades, the charity needs to raise funds and will be launching a special appeal during the year.