A COUNTY Durham company is celebrating after another of its trainees successfully completed an apprenticeship.

Christopher Parkin, 20, from Heighington, near Darlington, has completed a four-year apprenticeship in fabrication and welding at Aycliffe Fabrications, on Aycliffe Industrial Park.

He also studied for City and Guilds qualifications on day release.

Aycliffe Fabrications specialises in one-off fabrications in stainless steel, aluminium and mild steel, made to customer specifications, and has four apprentices at present.

Its highly skilled team, including the manager, are all former apprentices with the company.

Director Christine Bewley said: "We believe that training our own workforce is the best way to continue with the high standards we consistently offer.

"Our team is highly skilled and qualified and pass on their experience to the apprentices, who become our tradesmen of the future."

Christopher said: "I am now looking forward to further opportunities to add to my skills and continue progressing with the company."