Students with autism at a popular Newcastle cafe are proving disabilities is no barrier to success in the workplace.

Cafe Beam in Gosforth was set up four years ago and is run by charity Smile for Life to give young disabled people hands-on work experience before leaving school or college.

And speaking to mark autism awareness week, cafe workers Katie Goodwin and Cole Forster have revealed just how much of an impact the jobs have had on their lives.

Katie said: “It’s been fun, I’ve made new friends. I learned how to do the till, serve people and talking to the other customers.

“I now get the bus here by myself. It’s gained me confidence and I have fun.”