A COUNCIL has scooped an award for the support it has given to almost 400 council apprentices since 2009.

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council is the first local authority in the country to scoop the Investor in Apprenticeships award.

The 400 council apprentices are in addition to the 850 youngsters in Redcar and Cleveland helped into apprenticeships with businesses across the borough through the council's Routes to Employment team

That support has seen 175 council apprentices go on to further education or full-time employment thanks to the experience gained during their apprenticeships.