Man with Down's Syndrome hails 'dream' job

A 25-year-old man with Down's Syndrome has said it felt like a dream come true when he was hired as a ranger at a reservoir in Staffordshire.

Ed Daly has worked for just over a year at the Tittesworth Reservoir in Leek and said he loved working outdoors, helping nature and visitors.

"It makes me happy, it does, being with nature," Mr Daly said.

It comes as recent figures show just under 6% of people with learning difficulties are in employment, despite 65% wanting to work.

Mr Daly, from Leek, is part of a team of five rangers caring for the wildlife haven in the Staffordshire moorlands,

Speaking about how he and the team work at hedge laying, the 25-year-old said: "It's very rewarding and it makes me feel great to see how it grows. Perfect."

Mr Daly's manager, Josie Muncaster, told the BBC: "I would say to anyone thinking of hiring someone with Down's Syndrome, it's a fantastic thing to do, overcome your own barriers and your own stereotypes to doing that, because I've never looked back on hiring Ed. He's a brilliant member of the team."

Mr Daly is supported by an organisation that is part of the Down's Syndrome Association, which also helps to train employers.

Molly Keal from the Down's Syndrome Association: "We always say never limit the expectations of your colleague because actually once our candidates are trained in the right way they will continue to exceed expectations as Ed has done in his role with being a ranger here."

The 25-year-old is hoping to encourage more employers to hire people with Down's Syndrome and help develop their skills and career ambitions.

Speaking about his job, Mr Daly said: "It felt like a dream come true, really, and I love being in the fantastic team here."

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