NURTURING the skills of local young people is paying dividends for a Durham acccountants.

Ken Sharkey has seen his firm grow after taking on staff through the Modern Apprenticeships scheme. Providing training opportunities has won him an Investor in People award.

"I wanted to draw from the best young people in our local community and encourage them to take up the opportunities for work-based learning that are offered through Modern Apprenticeships," he said.

He set up the practice in Stanley in 1992 and it employs ten people.

Trainees are chosen from the Durham Business Club where they study in the classroom, funded by the Learning and Skills Council County Durham, as well as training in the office.

Three staff are currently undergoing training to advance their careers within the business.

Michelle Jefferson, 18, joined Ken Sharkey after working at McDonalds to help support her through A/S levels at college.

She said at first she was too scared to answer a telephone, but through her training has gained in skills and confidence.

"It is a really good way to learn," she said. "I know about health and safety and have developed key skills in team working, communications and information technology."