The Vault offers weddings and events in new function room

A UNIQUE leisure facility run by people with autism and learning difficulties is now taking bookings for weddings and other events.

The Vault, formerly the Rivers Edge Hotel in Gateshead, is set to become the UK’s first hotel for young people with a range of learning difficulties. Last month it unveiled an American style diner which serves the public and local businesses.

Now the development has moved on a stage further with the opening of its new function room, which will cater for weddings, meetings and other occasions.

The room will hold up to 120 people and has been designed to give young trainees the chance to learn about another aspect of the hospitality industry.

The Vault is a £2m development created by the St Camillus Care Group, which will eventually offer respite care for young people with a range of learning difficulties as well as doubling as a learning facility to help train the youngsters to work in the hospitality industry.

The American diner has already proved to be a big success since it began welcoming members of the public, and now bookings are being taken for the new function room.

Managing Director John Heron believes this latest addition will give the trainees the chance to pick up even more skills.

“We have had an incredible response since we opened the doors to the diner last month, and we have started taking bookings for our function room, which will offer something a little bit different for the young people,” he said.

“Now they can learn even more about the hospitality industry by working with the public at important events like weddings, parties and meetings.

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“These are all completely different skills and we are confident that giving our young people such opportunities to prepare them for work will give them a chance to really shine.”

To book a table at the diner or function room or for any further information contact The Vault on 0191 438 2750.