PARENTS waiting anxiously with their children for this summer's GCSE and A-level results are being urged to contact a free telephone helpline if their children are unsure about what to do next.

The Learning and Skills Council North Yorkshire has launched a campaign to offer advice and information on modern apprenticeships.

The Parents' Helpline on 0800 515 547 is a confidential service and a leaflet accompanying the campaign aims to answer some of the questions parents may have.

Currently, there are more than 4,500 young people in North Yorkshire in modern apprenticeship jobs which have formal training to achieve nationally recognised qualifications.

Nicholas Davy is a modern apprentice in agriculture and works on the family farm in Marrick, Richmond. His mother, Felicity, is pleased with her son's progress and welcomes the campaign.

She said: "He was desperate to leave school and I suggested that he did a modern apprenticeship because I felt he needed some paper qualifications too.

"We nearly came a cropper with foot-and-mouth and have had to diversify.

"I run a deli in Richmond and my husband does farmers' markets, so we needed Nicholas to train to take over the farm.

"Boys aren't always mature as young teenagers and maybe don't fit into academic life. Everyone has skills - a modern apprenticeship helps to make the best use of them."

Learning and Skills Council spokesman Kevin Marrow said: "We know this is a stressful time for parents and young people.

"Our campaign could help parents to consider all the options available.

"Career decisions are about finding the right choice for the right person.

"We recognise that no one knows a son or daughter better than their parents."