A FAMILY-RUN distribution firm has reiterated its commitment to training young people by taking on another apprentice.

Stiller Warehousing and Distribution, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has welcomed Keiran Jones.

His appointment means Stiller's young workforce makes up 21 members of staff aged 25 or under, which is just under a fifth of its 115-strong team.

Mr Jones, 17, has started a level two apprenticeship in business administration through training provider Optimum Skills, and is following three workers who completed similar programmes.

Jessica Tweddle, 23, from Middridge, near Newton Aycliffe, has finished a level two apprenticeship in business administration, with 20-year-old Jessica Walton, from Spennymoor, County Durham, who completed the same apprenticeship last year, now working in customer service.

Both programmes were delivered through Aycliffe-based training provider ITEC.

Ryan Bailey, 21, also from Newton Aycliffe, has been with Stiller for two-and-a-half years after completing a level three apprenticeship in business administration, also through ITEC, and is now transport operator for the firm.

Paul Stiller, managing director, said: “Training young people is critical and we have a fantastic balance of highly-skilled, experienced people who are passing on their knowledge to our young staff.”

Its young team also includes 24-year-old Lizzie Brophy, from Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, who completed a psychology degree at in 2010.

She initially joined Stiller to cover summer holiday relief, but has now been promoted to sales executive.

Mr Stiller added: “Lizzie is a fine example to show graduates they don't have to leave the North-East to climb the career ladder.”

Stiller last year announced a 20 per cent turnover increase to £10.5m, and has invested more than £3m in its 14-acre site.

Its premises include a 15,000-pallet store for customers such as car parts maker Gestamp Tallent and industrial safety mask maker 3M.