A TRAVEL agency has taken on nine apprentices.

Dawson and Sanderson has recruited the teenagers for its North-East branches.

Bosses say their work will be combined with studies at Hartlepool College of Further Education, which will focus on customer services, booking procedures and travel legislation.

Chris Harrison, the firm’s sales and marketing director, said: “We have always believed in helping young people secure opportunities in their chosen career path and apprenticeships are a great way to do that.

“We are a North-East company and are committed to investing in young talent in our region.

“Many of our staff started as apprentices and have progressed through the business often into senior positions.

“The partnership with Hartlepool College is fantastic as they have a great track record for developing young people through work-based learning.

“The last cohort of apprentices have added value to the branches they are working at and it’s great they will be mentoring our new intake.”

After completing their studies, the teenagers will graduate as full-time travel consultants with a level two diploma in travel and tourism.

Janet Best, lecturer in travel and tourism at Hartlepool College, added: “We are delighted to be working with Dawson and Sanderson once more.

“The sky is the limit for the new apprentices.”

The apprentices are Annie Brown, 17, who will work in the Stockton branch; Chloe Vayro, 16, who will work in Hartlepool; Sunderland-bound 16-year-old Charlotte Simpson, and 17-year-old Rebecca Parker, who will work in Durham City.

Lydia Robson, 18, will work in North Shields; 17-year-old Sophie Errington, will take up a role in Hexham; 18-year-old Reece Aitman will be based in Ashington, Northumberland, with Samantha Adey, 18, working in South Shields, and Paige Quigley, 17, based in Newcastle.