A YOUNG horticulture apprentice got the perfect birthday surprise when he was rewarded with a full-time job from his employer.

Grant Akers, of Easington, celebrating his 18th birthday, was offered the permanent position after impressing bosses at Easington Colliery Parish Council during his 18-month apprenticeship.

Mr Akers who has been an apprentice in the parks and grounds maintenance team based at Easington Colliery Cemetery, thought he was being presented with a card and present. But Cllr Kathleen Archer was also able to tell him the additional good news.

Mr Akers said: “I’m a little lost for words to be honest. I thought I was being given a birthday card and new spade as it was my eighteenth, but when I was told I was being given a full time job I couldn’t believe it.”

Councillors Kathleen Archer and Dora Fraser, Chair and Vice Chair respectively of Easington Colliery Parish Council, attended the short presentation at Easington Colliery Parish Council’s Cemetery Lodge.

Cllr Archer said: “You’ve proved you are a good worker and not shy of hard work.

“All the team here at the cemetery speak very highly of you Grant, you have shown a great attitude during your apprenticeship.

“I’m delighted to be able to tell you that we are offering you a full-time job on the team.”

John Surtees, superintendent of the parks team, who organised the surprise presentation, added: “He’s a great lad, an absolutely brilliant worker and we are really pleased he’s now going to be a permanent member of the team.”

As part of his apprenticeship, Grant also spent one day at week training at East Durham College’s Houghall Campus in Durham.