Wisbech teenager Kobe Huggins-Driver had taste of life in the police thanks to a special day aimed at inspiring young people with disabilities.

The 16-year-old, who has learning difficulties, spent a day shadowing Inspector Paul Rogerson with Cambridgeshire police as part of an event organised by the UK’s leading volunteering charity (Community Service Volunteers).

The day is a part of anew initiative funded by the Department for Work and Pension (DWP), to inspire disabled people into work and to tackle employer’s misconceptions about hiring disabled employees.

Kobe experienced working in the exciting environment of the police control room.

Kobe’s mum Nola, said: “Kobe has always wanted to work for the police. He’s currently at college but because he has Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia (which affects his physical coordination) he finds studying quite hard and lacks confidence. Shadowing a Police Inspector was a big step for Kobe and he gained a real insight into the world of work. He’d love to find a paid job in the future as he loves being independent and doesn’t want to be stuck at home.”

Inspector Paul Rogerson of the Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: “I’m delighted that CSV approached me about Kobe shadowing me at work. We are really keen to engage with young people in the community and we are delighted to be part of this incentive.”

Inspiring Disabled Young People saw 100 young people across the UK take part in three work shadowing days over the coming six months. They include teenagers with partial paralysis, speech impediments, autism and other physical and learning difficulties who have been unable to find paid employment.

Throughout December, 30 young people aged between 16 to 25-years-old will shadow employees across government, retail, hospitality, science and the charity and public sector to gain valuable work experience.

Oonagh Aitken, CSV Chief Executive, said: “We provide volunteering opportunities for disabled people and we know the barriers that many of them face into work, particularly during the transition from leaving school into their first job.

“Despite having many valuable skills, disabled people are often unable to find work and employers worry about accommodating any extra needs they may have or any additional costs they might incur.

“The reality is that many disabled people are able to work and desperately want to be in paid employment. I hope that all the placements this week will inspire the young people involved into a future career, help them gain real work experience and show that many employers like those taking part in this initiative, do value and employ disabled people.”