APPRENTICESHIPS for residents in Hambleton are being created to help in the development of a new community in the district.

Sowerby Gateway will involve the development of 925 homes, a hotel, restaurant, an extra care development, a primary school and sports village on the edge of Sowerby near Thirsk.

The first phase of building has already begun, which will see 107 homes and 4,400sq metres of commercial buildings built off Topcliffe Road.

Mulberry Homes, which will be working on the site for the next ten years, has asked SuperSkills, a local training company, to recruit the workers from the nearby community and provide their training. It is believed there will be four apprenticeships created.

A spokeswoman for Hambleton District Council said Mulberry Homes are seeking apprenticeships to be trained as plasterers, plumbers and painters. The scale and duration of the development means that after training there will be work available for years to come.

The vacancies were announced as Councillor Mark Robson, Leader of Hambleton District Council and Sowerby's local councillor, visited SuperSkills Training Centre at Thirsk Auction Mart to meet some of the Apprentices being trained there.

Councillor Robson said: "This is good news for the Thirsk area and demonstrates Mulberry Homes commitment in bringing jobs to the local community especially for our young people"

Peter Walker, owner of SuperSkills Training, said: "We look forward to a long-term relationship with Mulberry Homes as they build the Sowerby Gateway development.

"Apprenticeships combine excellent training and long term jobs, so people get the chance to earn while they learn."