The man who has been Macclesfield's MP for the last 14 years, has praised a Macclesfield school, for providing a taster opportunity for disabled adults in the workplace.

David Rutley, the 63-year-old MP for Macclesfield, recently visited King's School to see first-hand their involvement in The Rossendale Trust's WorkTaste programme.

In 2013 the WorkTaste initiative was launched by Macclesfield charity The Rossendale Trust, to provide individuals with the experience of spending time in a working environment.

Local employers who support the WorkTaste scheme include Crag Spring Water in Wildboarclough, The Bridgend Centre and Cafe Waterside in Bollington. And of course, King's School, of Alderley Road, Prestbury.

David met with Chris Ratcliffe, a Rossendale tenant who has been working in the King's School canteen, and is a regular contributor to the Friday schedule, alongside King's Head of Foundation, Mr Jason Slack.

The WorkTaste initiative taken forward by The Rossendale Trust allows businesses and community projects to host short workplace opportunities.

The tenants who are adults with learning and physical disabilities are supported by trained Rossendale staff on a one-one basis, and the programme enables them to learn invaluable skills for their future, particularly in hospitality, retail, and production.

On the day, David had the opportunity to meet Chris and the wider catering team from Holroyd Howe to discuss the active role he takes in the school's busy kitchen. David also had the chance to try some fresh shortbread biscuits baked by Chris that morning, which were also served to school staff and students.

A member of David Rutley MP's team wrote: "This visit builds on David's longstanding commitment to the Rossendale Trust and its initiatives. As Patron of the Trust, David helps champion the work of this much-valued local charity and during a previous meeting, he highlighted to Mr Slack the impressive work the Trust does locally."

"David expressed his gratitude for the school's proactive support, and he was pleased to hear that the school are looking to expand the programme with the addition of more placements.

"The meeting also provided the opportunity for David to catch up with Mr Slack and to hear more about the school's ongoing engagement with other local community groups.

"Several Macclesfield organisations, including the Scouts and several sports clubs, benefit from the school's positive support in the wider community, including use of its facilities and sports hall."

Adults 18 and over who have a learning disability or on the ASD spectrum are eligible for WorkTaste.

WorkTaste Coaches will meet the individual at Rossendale Hall in Sutton, at home, or at an agreed place and take them to their work placement.

WorkTasters get one-to-one support throughout the process.

Macclesfield Nub News reached out to the Hollin Lane based charity for comment.

WorkTaste manager, Colin Gillespie said: "The collaboration with Kings School in Macclesfield has been a wonderful experience for Chris and the Rossendale Trust."

"The staff at Holroyd Howe and Kings have welcomed Chris with such enthusiasm, inclusivity, warmth, and kindness. It's incredible to see how Chris has flourished in his role. We are very proud of Chris with the work he's done and his achievements thus far, he has become a fantastic, valued, hardworking member of staff."

"We are very grateful to Mr Slack, Stephen Moores and Kat Biglen. Thank you all so much for facilitating this partnership."

More information on WorkTaste and how to sign up to the programme, can be found via this link.

And it is not just the Macclesfield area that has organisations which support WorkTaste, with establishments in Congleton and Knutsford also supporting the cause.

Speaking after the visit, David Rutley MP said, "It's impressive to see the WorkTaste programme in action at King's School, which shows how targeted support and dedicated local partnerships can have a positive impact.

"It was great to hear that Chris's favourite day of the week is Friday when he participates in WorkTaste, and it's clear this programme is making a real difference."

"I would encourage other local businesses in our area to get involved to help ensure that more, invaluable work placement opportunities are made available."

David Rutley MP is standing in the next General Election as the Conservative candidate.

Macclesfield Nub News understands the constituency will see a record seven candidates.

Aside David, they are: Tim Roca (Labour), Green Party (Amanda Iremonger), the Liberal Democrats (Neil Christian), and the Social Democratic Party (Dickie Fletcher). Chris Wellavize is standing as an Independent.

Meanwhile, the Reform Party will also be running, with the candidate likely to be Stephen Broadhurst. But Macclesfield Nub News is trying to verify this.

The next General Election will take place no later than January 2025.