Learners from Leicester College have once again joined forces with local charity, Saffron Lane Neighbourhood Council (SLNC), to launch their new Saffron Acres Strawberry Jam.

The jam will go on sale in 70 Central England Co-operative (CEC) food stores in Leicester, on Thursday, 19 June 2014.

This follows on from the excellent results in sales they had with the Saffron Acres Limited Edition Christmas jam and chutney range last year.

Since then the SLNC and Central England Co-operative have continued their partnership and have produced a delicious hand-made, soft-set Strawberry Jam to be a part of its Locally Sourced range, launching just in time for Wimbledon.

The Saffron Acres Project, managed by SLNC, includes learners with learning difficulties from Leicester College, who helped to produce and package the strawberry jam. In turn, these young adults gain valuable community skills and improve their self-esteem and confidence.

Stella Williamson, Programme Area Manager at Leicester College, said: “Our goal is for young people with learning disabilities to have the best opportunities and support in order to succeed in education, careers, independent living and be active members of the community.

“Through working with the Saffron Acres project, our learners have demonstrated just that and have worked tirelessly on this project.  We at Leicester College are very proud of their success.”

Neil Hodgkin, Head of Development, Saffron Lane Neighbourhood Council, said:

“I’m really pleased that we can continue our partnership with Central England Co-operative. The project benefits so many members of our community and the learners have loved being involved.

“The results from our initial trial have really raised interest in our charity, and have helped in many ways such as acquiring new premises and receiving great publicity. We hope everyone enjoys the new jam!”

Maryann Denfhy, Corporate Responsibility Manager, Central England Co-operative said:

“The response we’ve had from our colleagues and customers from our trial run have been phenomenal and we very much look forward to repeating it with the strawberry jam.

“The project forms part of our Corporate Responsibility program where we seek opportunities to improve the wellbeing and sustainability of the communities in which we operate.”

The new Saffron Acres Strawberry Jam will be priced at £1.89 with an additional 10p of profits donated back to SLNC. It will be available in Co-operative food stores in and around Leicester and Leicestershire* from Thursday, 19 June 2014.

Last December 700 limited edition jams and chutneys all made by learners on the Learning for Living course and to produce the range which includes Saffron Acres spiced plum jam and Saffron Acres spiced apple chutney as part of the Locally Sourced range.