A BRICKLAYER from County Durham has scooped the prestigious title of Apprentice of the Year.

Ross Mitchell, from Middleton-in-Teesdale, won top prize in the competition, which was organised by the Northern Counties branch of the National Federation of Builders - the leading trade organisation representing more than 750 builders and contractors throughout the region.

Ross, 19, from C & G Blake Builders in Middleton, also studies at Darlington College of Technology.

Terry Perry, area manager for the National Federation of Builders based in County Durham, said: "There was a very high standard of entrants from companies and colleges across the North East and Yorkshire.

"The Apprentice of the Year award was set up to recognise that talent and reward standards of excellence in our industry."

He added: "Nevertheless, there is a recognised skills shortage in the construction industry and the National Federation of Builders is doing all it can to promote the trade as a rewarding career choice for people of all ages."