A CHARITY that rose from the ashes of a social enterprise that went bust to establish itself in Brierley Hill has celebrated its first birthday.

Karen Muller and Steve Smith turned the devastation of redundancy from Beacon Employment, which had centres in the Black Country and Kidderminster, into a positive by setting up DiscoverU in August last year.

And they have since grown, increasing the number of clients using the Delph Industrial Estate-based facility and taken on more staff and volunteers.

Pound shop founder and Mr Smith’s namesake, Steve Smith, and his wife Tracy, returned to help them celebrate their landmark anniversary a year after he officially opened Discover U.

Mr Smith also gave the charity a van to help them get to their venues and market stalls.

The birthday celebrations on Saturday (September 17), also featured live entertainment from Shout, an appearance from Stourbridge firefighters and a fancy dress photo booth.

Miss Muller, from Cookley, said: “We set up DiscoverU after we were made redundant and we’re very pleased with how we’ve grown since then.

“We have clients with learning difficulties of varying degrees and we have become known for our diversity, the products we make and our work ethic.

“Steve and I have since taken on Bec Whitehouse, and have volunteers Mike Rowbottom, working in the woodwork area, Lynn Brookes who does sewing with the clients, and Kitty Jenkins who helps with everything.

“Also Brenda Rogers makes the sandwiches and cakes, which they also sell at Kingswinford market, with all proceeds going to DiscoverU.

“We have also been supported by Porter and Woodman from Stourbridge and Mark Homer and Sharron of MOT Services at Brierley since we set up.”

She added that DiscoverU are currently looking for an accountant and more volunteers with the possibility of a full time position.