YOUNG people were given a first-class hands-on experience of what it takes to work at a busy restaurant.

The group of young people, from Skipton-based children's charity, SELFA's Springboard project, joined staff at the town's Phoebe's restaurant for an evening meeting and waiting on customers, as well as helping out in the kitchen.

And, it was an excellent opportunity for the Springboard group, a peer-support group which aims to help teenagers on the path to young adulthood, to gain experience in a fast-paced hospitality setting with an ever-changing setting.

One, Lucas, spoke for all when he said how nervous he had been when they first arrived at the Sheep Street restaurant.

"At first I was nervous with customers -worried I would be judged. I am happy the customers were kind and encouraging. I thanked them," he said.

The young people enjoyed working together as a team with their problem solving and thinking on their feet. Lucas added: "If SELFA hadn't put this event on I would not have the confidence at all to work in the hospitality sector."

They also enjoyed meeting new people, being confident in social settings and learning new skills, giving them the confidence to go into hospitality in the future.

Claire Wood, one of SELFA's trustees, said: "It was a fantastic evening held and run by the very talented Springboard group alongside Phoebe's. It was a great opportunity for the young people to learn new skills and gain a taster into running a restaurant, whilst raising valuable funds for SELFA."

In addition to it being a valuable experience for the young people on the Springboard project, the restaurant 'take-over' with proceeds from the cost of meals together with a raffle, raised £500 for SELFA.

Fellow trustee, Nicky Shoesmith added: “The trustees work closely with the Springboard group and helped in initiating the contact for a hospitality link.

"Seeing the young people develop their skills over the weeks in preparation for the evening and on the night was an immensely proud experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening with the care and attention given to our table and fellow guests by group.

"The food was fantastic and what you would expect from a high end restaurant."

Any organisation that would like to take part in future events or support SELFA can contact Katie Hoggarth by email: katie.hoggarth@selfa.org.uk; to find out more about SELFA, go to: https://www.selfa.org.uk/