THE founder of Oxford-based learning disability charity Yellow Submarine has paid tribute to an "amazing" organisation after stepping down as CEO.

Toby Staveley set up the charity in 2009 to improve the lives of people like his late uncle, who had Down's Syndrome.

Since then Yellow Submarine has offered activities, trips and work experience to young people from across the county at its cafes in Oxford's Park End Street and Witney.

Although he will no longer lead the charity, Mr Staveley will return as a trustee later in May after a brief period of paternity leave.

He said: “It’s been a huge honour to have been part of Yellow Submarine for the last seven years. It’s been such an amazing part of my life.

"Today the organisation has matured beyond all recognition into a wonderful charity that I’m flattered to be part of.

"We are presently the first ever charity to concurrently hold all three “Charity of the Year” awards - from Oxfordshire Youth, the Oxfordshire Business Community and OCVA. It really feels like we’re getting things right. I believe this is because we put our beneficiaries first and at the heart of everything they do. This is an easy task; we support the most wonderful people in the world."

For more information on Yellow Submarine or to get involved with the charity visit yellowsubmarine.org.uk/