THERE was magic in the woods above East Meon last week.

In the grounds of The Sustainability Centre, more than a dozen people proved that having a learning disability is no barrier to achieving goals and gaining qualifications.

Last Friday was a graduation day of sorts for 13 people supported by Petersfield charity, FitzRoy, who have taken part in the Rural Skills programme.

Each was presented with a certificate of excellence for passing Asdan-accredited courses in horticulture, potentially opening the door to paid employment and a greater quality of life.

“I’ve enjoyed it and have learned new skills,” said Richard Faithfull (27), from Bordon, who has learned a variety of horticultural skills during the last five years.

“Working with plants is something I want to do and I’d like to get a job in a nursery.”

Around 30 people who are supported by FitzRoy go to the Sustainability Centre on a weekly basis to take part in the project, which could soon move to a purpose-built classroom.

The courses were originally designed for children who struggle at school but have been adapted for people with learning disabilities and are nationally recognised.

“They get mentored but all the while they’re coming up here they’re having fun and working towards something,” said FitzRoy support worker Louise Macmillan.

Project manager Gabe Fulford called the ceremony a “celebration of a major achievement” while FitzRoy chief executive Anna Galliford thanked project bosses for giving strength and outdoor skills to lots of people.

She added: “This is an externally accredited qualification that these people have achieved and we need to remember that.

“It’s the beginning of a journey for some people and there’s another 17 coming through that will also be accredited in a short while.”