Beer and bread are on the menu to help people with learning disabilities in Norwich

A new start-up is aiming to use two unusual ingredients to help transform the lives of people with learning disabilities - bread and beer.

The UK's first ever Brewkery - a combination of a brewery and a bakery - is getting ready to open its doors in Norwich and is appealing for help to get started.

Equal Brewkery, a not-for-profit social enterprise, is the brainchild of Norwich man, Bill Russell, who spent 30 years as a teacher supporting children with special educational needs.

He said: 'The idea of Equal Brewkery is to give people with learning disabilities the skills and tools they need to get into employment or education.'

The people who join the social enterprise will be employed as paid staff members for their work and the fruits, or rather bread and beer, of their labour will be sold at a dedicated shop in the city.

For more information on volunteering or to donate beer, baking equipment or money email Bill Russell at introtobrewing@virginmedia.com or ring 01603 616209.