A MINIATURE supermarket is at the forefront of a unique training initiative in Burnley.

Mayor Margaret Lishman found out what's "in store" for trainee supermarket cleaners when she visited Remploy's Burnley factory.

The training centre, which aims to help get more disabled people into work, is the only one of its kind in the country.

It features a scaled-down version of an ASDA supermarket, complete with shelves and checkouts, so that trainees can learn the skills necessary to clean ASDA stores to the company's high standards.

The scheme is a joint initiative between ASDA, Remploy and City Facilities Management, the company contracted by ASDA to clean all its UK stores. The three companies have already generated more than 300 full-time jobs for disabled people in just two years.

The mayor said: "This is an excellent example of partnership working to benefit disadvantaged people.

"It's a first for Remploy, Asda and City Facilities Management and we are proud that Burnley is leading the way."

Remploy chief executive Bob Warner said: "The Remploy ASDA Aces Academy is a small scale but true-to-life store built within our Burnley factory and includes everything you would expect to see at your local ASDA.