A GROUP of apprentices have been given the chance to learn their trade on £15m spa complex work.

Jamie Anderson, Jack Hammerton and Jordan Marriott, who all attend Darlington College, are working with Northallerton-based builder Walter Thompson on the expansion of Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club, near Durham City.

Bosses say the project is creating 47 guest bedrooms and a 32,500sq ft spa.

Mr Anderson and Mr Marriott are apprentice bricklayers, with Mr Hammerton an apprentice joiner.

They spend one day a week at college and four days on the Ramside site.

Paul Hammerton, Walter Thompson’s construction director, previously studied at Darlington College.

He said the firm takes on a number of young workers every year.

He added: “Our apprenticeship programme has been going for more than 50 years and is well regarded in the industry.

“We get to train students the way we want, and they get to work for a well-run, well-respected, ambitious company.

The firm has also revealed it has arranged a long-term work placement for Jessica Haslam, who is studying an HNC in construction and the built environment at New College Durham.

Paul Powton, Walter Thompson’s Ramside project manager, added: “We were delighted to offer Jess a placement.

“She really wants to go into construction site management - she wants my job.”