OUTSIDE the Box, the award winning local community café that supports people with a learning disability, celebrated its fourth birthday with a fun-filled event attended by over 100 people.

Launched in June 2013 the café has become a successful community business and an established part of the local townscape.

“We were delighted to be joined by so many of our supporters, volunteers, members and their families and friends to mark our fourth anniversary," said Graham Smith, chairman of the Ilkley Community Enterprise, the charity that runs Outside the Box. “We had lots to celebrate as a business as we have grown considerably over the last four years, won two awards from Ilkley Business Forum and launched new services including our Arthouse and OTB Works initiatives. Alongside this the event was an opportunity to showcase and acclaim the talents and achievements of our members."

Many local people and organisations supported and took part in the birthday event. The Marks and Spencer Ilkley store gave a donation of £500 to the charity and four store employees worked as volunteer helpers at the party. Ilkley store manager Chris Farren, said: “We were very keen to support Outside the Box and be involved in celebrating the great work that it does with the Ilkley community including people with a learning disability. As a company, Marks and Spencer is committed to making a positive difference in our local communities and to providing opportunities for our staff to help with this and to develop and use their knowledge and skills. The Outside the Box event was an ideal way for us to do this and was a really enjoyable experience for all involved. We are looking forward to continuing to work with the charity in future including being involved in the OTB Works project as a local employer."

The event was also supported by the local Co-operative who donated vouchers for the store and by musicians from the local Two Rivers Band.

“The event had a real party atmosphere,” said Jenna Peel, manager at Outside the Box. “The Two Rivers Band musicians did a fabulous set, playing a really fun and varied set and they were followed by the Outside the Box Music Group with members really ‘doing their thing’ and getting the whole place singing along. Our plant and craft stall, games, competition and face-painting were also really popular. It was wonderful to see so many people, including our members and their families and friends, having such a great time."

The event included presentations of awards to a number of Outside the Box members. Sonya Knight, a tutor from North Yorkshire Adult Learning and Skills Service, the charity’s education and training partner, gave out certificates to members who had achieved qualifications and others who had completed the Outside the Box Works Job Club course. Ashley Dale, a member at the café, was presented with two certificates for qualifications he had achieved whilst working and training at the café. “I really like it and am very pleased,” Ashley said.

Since starting out four years ago, over 120 awards have been achieved by members involved in the café and Arthouse activities.

“We have just published our 2016 Annual Report which gives a really good insight into how well we have done as a relatively new enterprise," added Mr Smith. "The event was a terrific way for us to share our success and to thank all those who have supported us in recent years and continue to give so generously of their time and commitment.”