A GROWING craft supplies firm has taken on another apprentice.

Crafter's Companion, in Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, has welcomed Paige Marie Todd-Archbold.

The company says the 18-year-old, from Shildon, also in County Durham, has joined as a business admin apprentice and will be mentored by former apprentice Sam Davison.

Miss Todd-Archbold will process orders and payments from the firm’s online store, ensuring products are sent across the UK and Europe.

Sara Davies, who founded Crafter’s Companion, said: “We have first-hand experience of how beneficial apprenticeships are.

“For us, we have found the key is to give apprentices a real opportunity to grow in a role and go beyond just the basics.

“When given the chance to use their own initiative and go beyond the boundaries, our apprentices have really thrived.”

Miss Todd-Archbold, who completed her GCSEs at Bishop Auckland College, added: “I was attracted to Crafter’s as I was aware of its positive history with apprentices.

“The position was exactly what I was looking for, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity.”

Crafter's Companion also has sites in the US and mainland Europe, including a sales team in Holland, and employs more than 60 workers.

Set up by Mrs Davies, who previously won a Silver Stevie Award for Young Female Entrepreneur of the Year, the business sells products through retail outlets, online and TV shopping channels.