THE chance to start an apprenticeship has left Redcar and Cleveland Council inundated with hundreds of applications for 12 posts.

A total of 315 applicants, all aged 16-24, have applied in the 18 days from the advertising being placed to the closing date on Monday, May 18.

There are six apprenticeships available in business administration, two in the Council's Clean and Green section, three in youth work and one in childcare.

Coun Ian Jeffrey, the council's cabinet member for children's services and education, said: "We have had a terrific response - and now our hard work starts, sifting through the applications.

"The next step is for our departmental recruiting managers to draw up shortlists and invite those selected to assessment sessions, starting next month."