Warmest congratulation to 25-year-old trainee chef David Bryant for his inspirational achievement in passing his food and hygiene exams with flying colours, being named Student of the Year, and being appointed to a full-time catering post at The Caf Recon based in the Next warehouse in Toftshaw Lane, Bradford.

That sort of achievement would be commendable in any young person. It demonstrates commitment and ability. In this case it is even more worthy of praise because of the message it sends out about people who, like David, have Down's Syndrome.

Despite being born with a disability, David has created a place for himself in the mainstream workplace. That says much for his own personality, as well as for the support he has received from his parents and from Barnardo's, who provided his training at their Dr B's restaurant in Harrogate.

It is splendid that The Caf Recon, where David was on work placement, has now seen fit to reward his efforts with a full-time, permanent job after he passed his exams with what head chef Greg Holmes describes as a "near-perfect score" after pushing himself very hard.

Those who need to push themselves to achieve, and are prepared to do so, are worth a place on anyone's payroll. David Bryant is a fine example for other youngsters with Down's Syndrome to look up to and seek inspiration from for their own lives. Perhaps his achievement, and Next's faith in him, might also send out a message to other employers about their own policies towards employing similarly disabled people.