A CARING Comet country man has won an award for outstanding achievement in his work with people with learning disabilities. Richard Griffiths, 27, from Round Mead, Stevenage, was given a Mencap Staff Award at a ceremony in Birmingham. He is the acting dep

A CARING Comet country man has won an award for outstanding achievement in his work with people with learning disabilities.

Richard Griffiths, 27, from Round Mead, Stevenage, was given a Mencap Staff Award at a ceremony in Birmingham.

He is the acting deputy support worker at Mellor House, a Mencap residential care home in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.

His job - which starts each day with a 63-mile commute - includes supporting people with learning disabilities, and helping them to develop life skills and take part in activities such as swimming or going to the gym.

He has worked for Mencap for five years.

Jo Williams, Mencap chief executive, said: "Richard has achieved a great deal of success in his work over the last five years.

"The passion he has for making a difference to the lives of people who have a learning disability is an inspiration to us all."

Richard said: "I feel very excited and proud of my achievement in winning this award.

"There is great job satisfaction in my role at Mencap in supporting people with a learning disability to aim high.

"I hope to continue to improve the services people with a learning disability receive.