BUSINESS tycoon Steve Smith - founder of the Poundland chain - is throwing his weight behind a Brierley Hill charity that is giving fresh hope to people with learning disabilities.

Mr Smith, the self-made Black Country multi millionaire, officially opened Discover U on the Delph industrial estate, on Saturday - and is now appealing to other business people to rally behind the new enterprise, which gives its clients the skills to make "shabby chic" furniture.

The 26 adults with learning difficulties who are getting work experience at the new centre used to go to Beacon Employment at Lye, which closed in July.

Karen Muller and another Steve Smith, who were made redundant when Beacon shut, quickly started up Discover U to plug the gap.

Poundland creator Mr Smith, who sold his interest in the business for £50 million, said: "It's amazing - a few weeks ago these guys had nowhere to go but Karen and Steve have done such a lot in a short period of time.

"Speaking to some of the parents of the people who attend Discover U, they were saying these guys found it hard to get out of bed - but now they're up first and saying 'let's go'.

"They're learning new skills and I'm very impressed."

He added he was now trying to attract more business people to "get behind" the project, saying more centres of its kind were needed across the country.

"Karen and Steve are coming up with a business plan and I am trying to arrange more business people to get involved," said Mr Smith, aged 53.

"Sometimes it's not about money - it's about skills and finding volunteers and places to sell the products they are making."

About 70 people attended the official opening of Discover U and Miss Muller said the event had been "absolutely fantastic".

During the day, a competition was held for the clients with learning disabilities to come up with a new sign to hang over the door of Discover U.

Poundland founder Mr Smith's daughter, Katie Elcock-Smith chose Sarah Whitehouse's picture as the winner, with Becky Prosser second and Chloe Williams third.