The Hut in Mersea to be on Channel 4’s Britain’s Best Beach Huts

West Mersea’s Ty Bowring, 18, will be appearing on Britain’s Best Beach Huts next week.

The new show, hosted by Jay Blades and Laura Jackson, scours promenades, dunes, clifftops and sands in search of the best examples of a British seaside staple – the beach hut.

Ty, who is now 18, has autism and a learning disability.

He was helped to set up the business last year by Autism Anglia when he was a student at the charity’s Doucecroft School in Colchester.

Happy – Ty set up his business last year (Image: Chrissie Westgate)

His family purchased a beach hut on Mersea Island after his brother died in 2010.

Ty now runs The Hut in Mersea Island, which is now a Community Interest Company.

He said: “I started my beach hut business a year ago and it has gone very well.

“I now have two huts and have recently become a community interest company which means I am a not-for-profit social enterprise. 

“I hope in the future I can get grant funding to offer more special free days to people who are very poorly or having very difficult times.

“I also want to make the huts even more accessible, and I also hope to be able to employ other young people with disabilities as well in the future. 

“Having a job is very important to me it has increased my confidence and self-esteem.”

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Now, Ty is to feature on the new Channel 4 show showing off his incredible beach huts.

He said: “A friend showed me a flyer so I emailed them about my huts and the work I do with them and sent some photos, and they emailed back asking if someone could visit.

“A lovely lady visited and found out more about me and my huts and thought lots of people would like to know about them.”

On TV – Ty received support and guidance from Autism Anglia’s Doucecroft School in Colchester (Image: Chrissie Westgate)

On the experience, Ty said: “I enjoyed learning about the filming process and the film crew were all really lovely.

“I got to have a go with the camera and learn about the sound technician’s job. They were kind and helpful and made it a really fun day.”

“I haven’t seen it yet so am excited to watch it and hope everyone enjoys the programme.

“I am very proud of my huts and the special days I do for people and am proud to be on the show lots of other amazing beach huts.

“I hope my business will inspire other people.”

The show will be on Channel 4 on Thursday, June 29 at 8pm.