A support program has led to life changing results for an autistic Croydon resident.

Morris Walters has been living at a supported living service for adults with learning difficulties in Avenue Road, South Norwood, for just over a year.

In that time the 45-year-old has successfully gained employment working at the Wimbledon Head Office of Care Management Group, who run his supported living service.

His role in charge of recycling and cleaning has helped him build on his independence and develop new skills.

Another indicator of Mr Walters' progress is the fact he is now confident in taking the tram to work after he was helped to overcome his initial apprehension.

Mr Walters said: "I really enjoy living at Avenue Road and I have lots of friends here. I didn't like getting the tram before, but now I use it to get to work in Wimbledon and I really like my job."

Joanna Sengendo, deputy service manager at Avenue Road, praised Mr Walters progress and said he had inspired and motivated other residents.

She said: "Morris has done amazingly well to make so much progress in such a short period of time.

He is a great role model to have around and has helped to motivate the other residents at Avenue Road.

"Positive communication has been key in helping Morris overcome the barriers he faced before and he has really flourished since he moved in here."