AN engineering training company in the region has celebrated possibly its most successful year.

South-West Durham Training, in Newton Aycliffe, has had a busy 12 months and capped it off with an awards ceremony for its trainees covering a variety of disciplines, ranging from engineering to business administration.

One of this year's outstanding apprentices is Tim Pike, 18, from Crook, who gained an NVQ accreditation at level 2 performing engineering operations.

Tim's dyslexia did not prevent him from emerging as one of the company's rising stars, securing himself a full- time post with CRD Devices, in Shildon.

He received the company's Charity Shield award for problem solving in electrical work from Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster.

S W Durham Training general manager Angus Crowther said: "This year has been one of our best in 35 years of operation.

"We have over 100 apprentices coming through with completed qualifications, with about 95 per cent of these securing full time employment.