A SHOPPER has thanked staff at Asda after hiring her son with learning disabilities.

Christine Parker’s son John, aged 33, was employed as a porter at the supermarket in Horwich in 2003 after struggling to find a job for several years.

Mrs Parker said: “The colleagues have been absolutely brilliant.

“John loves his job and is held in high esteem by his colleagues — he’s made lots of friends and it’s been wonderful for him — we’re so proud of him.

“When he turned 16 we were concerned about his employment prospects. He had a few work experience placements, but there was never a job offer at the end.”

“He’s very, very responsible and is an incredibly helpful person, he’ll help anybody. He likes walking and being outside so this is a great role for him.”

Mr Parker said he got “knocked back” for quite a few jobs before joining Asda and described the opportunity as “fantastic”, as he did not believe he would ever get a job.He said: “To work for such a big company is a dream come true.“All of the colleagues are very supportive.

“They help me out if I get stuck and I’ve made lots of friends I can talk to about anything.“I enjoy it because I can speak to people and it gets me out and about. If people need help I’m really happy to help them.”

The store’s community champion, Lynda Gallimore, said: “John is a lovely guy, always wanting to have a chat and always asking if you are ok.“He is very polite and helpful with our customers and does a great job every day.

“In all weathers he is out there with a smile on his face.”