TWO North-East graduate civil engineers have been chosen to act as apprentices to the Institution of Civil Engineers' new regional chairman and national president.

John Jeffrey has recently taken over the regional chairmanship of ICE North-East and searched for two graduates - one as his apprentice, and the other as an apprentice for the ICE's new president, Quentin Leiper.

Newcastle University graduates Katerina Fytopoulou and David Scott were chosen, and will be involved in a programme of activities in the region and beyond.

These will include attending the annual presidential visit to the region, which incorporates the Robert Stephenson Awards to highlight achievements in civil engineering.

Mr Jeffrey said: "Being apprentices provides Katerina and David with a great opportunity to find out more about the institution, how it works and the benefits of membership.

"This is an excellent opportunity to break down a lot of misconceptions and encourage more young people to consider this career path."