A LABEL maker has taken on two apprentices as it continues to grow.

First Choice Labels, in Redcar, has recruited 17-year-olds Sophie Moore and Beky Elliot.

Beky, from Redcar, is working in the production department, with Sophie, from Dormanstown, near Redcar, joining the sales division.

Their arrival means a fifth of the company's 15-strong team are apprentices, having recruited Steve Badham as an apprentice printer last year and given a permanent role to Andrew Bennett.

The move comes as National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until Friday, March 7, aims to highlight the importance of young workers and their value to local businesses and the economy.

Nigel Willis, First Choice managing director, said: “I am a huge fan of apprenticeships. “Our original intention was to recruit one more apprentice for our production department.

“However, Sophie and Beky were both very strong candidates and we felt we would be missing out if we let one of them go.

“That's why we created a second role in our sales team.

“It's going to be hard work for them but if they rise to the challenge then the chances will be there for them.”

First Choice was founded 12 years ago and makes ten million labels every week for customers such as the NHS and the Ministry of Defence.