TWO apprentices are celebrating after winning awards in recognition of their contribution to the joinery trade.

Stephen Spour and Luke Pritchard, who are apprentices in the joinery division of construction company the MMP Group, received accolades at the Darlington College of Technology annual award ceremony.

Eighteen-year-old Stephen, from Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, won his award for most improved student in his college year. In May he won his regional heat at the Skill Build Regional Final.

He said: "The good thing about joinery is that the job is never the same and you are constantly learning new skills. Winning this award is the icing on the cake for me, because I've had such a great year already."

Luke, 17, from Darlington, won the Long Horn Hardware Award for his outstanding performance.