AN engineering company has honoured the good work of its young staff.

Darchem Engineering handed out awards to its best performing apprentices in a special ceremony.

The company, based at Stillington, near Darlington, has more than 50 youngsters on its books, with nine per cent of its near 900-strong workforce operating as apprentices.

The youngsters share their time at Darchem with studies at Hartlepool College.

Billy Meijer, Darchem managing director, said: "The apprenticeship programme is a key part of our growth strategy.

“We need to ensure we have a very capable, engaged and trained workforce to deliver a best in class product to all our customers.

"We have always maintained an apprenticeship programme to ensure we have the skills to grow, and we will continue to do so."

At the ceremony, James Irvine was named apprentice of the year in the graduating fourth year category, with Daniel Trigg-Rooney picking up the best effort award.

Andrew Bowden was the third year apprentice of the year, while Richard Ferguson was rewarded with the best effort title.

Jack Ryder picked up the second year apprentice of the year title, with Jack Smart recognised for best effort.

Joseph Willis was first year apprentice of the year, with Ryan Goodacre impressing for the best effort award.