SCORES of apprentices will report for their first day of work at Durham County Council tomorrow, the biggest intake the authority has ever experienced.

The youngsters, aged 16 to 21, will be trained in a variety of trades, from highways to horticulture and construction to office skills.

More than 900 people applied for the 47 vacancies, up from the 32 apprentices taken on last year.

Councillor Neil Foster, Durham County Council's cabinet member for children and young people's services, said: "We recognise our duty as a major employer to offer employment opportunities and a career path to young people and I am delighted that we have been able to provide a record number of apprenticeships this year.

"The range of trades and vocational routes involved reflects the breadth of activities in which the county council is involved and we are delighted that so many young people view the authority as a good place to work, train and become qualified."

Anyone interested in the council's apprenticeship scheme is asked to contact Gillian Kilgour, on 0191-383 3480.