CREATIVE people have discovered hidden talents and are now selling their designs in an enterprising project.

Adults with learning disabilities have opened a pop-up shop at Runcorn Shopping Centre.

They make a selection of crafts including sewn and knitted items, wooden plaques, table decorations and various items for the home, often using recycled materials.

They have been overwhelmed by the response from shoppers buying their goods as Christmas gifts.

Michelle Hillyer, Halton Council senior day service co-ordinator, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the response so far.

“We are astounded by the generosity of people.

“There is a real buzz in the shop. Meeting customers and selling things is providing great experience.

“Everyone is very excited. We are putting ourselves in a shopping centre for the world to see.”

Their business, Coach House Crafts, is based in the grounds of Norton Priory.

The adults, aged 20-60, have learning, physical or sensory disabilities.

Community day services have been transformed over the years to teach more practical skills and create employment opportunities.

Other disabled adults in Halton run a micro brewery, two shopmobility shops, a hair salon, ice cream parlour, disabled cycling project, cafes and tearooms.

Miss Hillyer said: “Making crafts provides great therapeutic benefits. There is a lot of fine finger work. Some adults can’t make the whole item but they work together.

“It’s a team effort. They take a lot of pride in their work.

“They find it very rewarding.”

They sell their items at various community craft fairs and Christmas markets.

They also take orders for weddings and personalised gifts.

Miss Hillyer added: “All the money is ploughed back into the business.

“The high quality of the products they are making is a credit to staff and the team. They are very talented.

“We’ve had to build up plenty of stock. They’ve worked their socks off and come up with brilliant things.”

The shop is also a collection point for Wire FM’s Christmas toy appeal.