THE Flying Fox food truck, to help students with learning difficulties train for a career in hospitality, opened for business on Minehead promenade last week, serving a selection of delicious tacos, paninis, and rice boxes throughout the day.

Aurora Foxes, a Minehead-based specialist hospitality training college, has funded the van with a £30,000 grant from the Hilton Global Foundation.

Around three quarters of Foxes’ graduates enter sustained work when they graduate - which is more than 10 times the national employment rate for people with learning disabilities.

Emma Cobley, Principal of Aurora Foxes, said: “It’s always thrilling to watch our students flourish in a professional environment and, thanks to the Hilton Global Foundation, we’ve been able to purchase the Flying Fox - a wonderful new catering truck which will provide our students with an exciting new avenue for hospitality training.

“Finding fulfilling work is so important for our mental health and wellbeing, and we believe those who are able to work shouldn’t be locked out of the workforce. With the right support, employing someone with a disability can be a positive experience and helps to promote a happy and inclusive workforce.”

The truck - supported by a team of Foxes’ students - now welcomes customers on the promenade three days a week throughout the summer term.

The students are running the truck, and learning outdoor service skills - including food preparation, hygiene and storage.