TWO teenagers are over the moon to be working as a sports apprentice in Weardale.

Since Jack Brown and Lewis Milner became involved in the breakfast club at Stanhope Barrington CofE Primary School, the number of pupils turning up has doubled.

Headteacher Shaun Myers said: “The children love the activities and games, where they might have been reading or drawing, now they’re engaged with the apprentices taking part in sports.”

Both apprentices are working alongside their mentor, Josh Ridley, delivering PE lessons and out-of-school games to local community sports clubs and primary schools.

19-year-old Mr Brown said he is delighted with the apprenticeship which he saw advertised on Durham County Council’s Facebook page.

He said: “I thought it would be good to give something back to Weardale. I’ve had a massive amount of help from the council so it’s nice to be able to give back to the area.

“I did go to college but it wasn’t for me, I’m really enjoying the apprenticeship, it’s been a good experience so far and I’m happy that I’ll finish it with qualifications that will lead to a career in sports.”

The sports apprentices are funded by the Weardale Action Partnership, for more information visit durham.gov.uk/weardaleapp.