A CAFE has been created in an environmentally-friendly building to give apprentices the chance to develop skills in a culinary career.

Groundwork, a charity that aims to provide employment and skills training, as well as improving the local environment, has launched Café Verte.

It is in The Greenhouse at Annfield Plain, near Stanley, and gives youngsters the opportunity to learn their trade in the café kitchens while earning a living.

Hilary Woolard, centre manager at The Greenhouse, said: “Our new venture with Licenced2Train is incredibly exciting, as it allows us to support a valuable apprenticeships and NVQ programme while also having an excellent café in the centre.

“Groundwork NE and Cumbria strives to always give back to the community, and we hope our new business lounge and Café Verte will benefit everyone who uses our new facilities.”

The business lounge has been also refurbished to include new technology and allows local businesses to use facilities including meeting areas and virtual office facilities.

Raymond McAleer, managing director at Licenced2Train, said: “We use The Greenhouse for our offices, so we jumped at the chance to become more involved and to support the centre.”