AN apprentice has been crowned a regional winner at an awards ceremony.

Chelsea Keedy, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was successful at the Learndirect Inspiration Awards.

The 20-year-old business administration apprentice won the northern region star apprentice award.

Bosses say she excelled in her apprenticeship with Learndirect, helping recruit more than 30 young people on courses through a presentation at her former school.

She has now secured a permanent job as a team leader.

She said: “The apprenticeship has been a great opportunity.

“You are able to earn money while you’re learning in a workplace, so you get valuable skills, and I would definitely recommend it to other people.”

Paul Kilgour, Learndirect group director, added: “These awards are a great opportunity to celebrate inspirational local people from all walks of life.

“The standard of nominations has been extremely high, showing the drive and determination of people to improve their skills and make a change to their life.”

National winners from all UK regions will be announced next month.