A TEENAGE apprentice with a passion for the outdoors is getting into the swing of a new role.

James Keeling has been taken on as a greenkeeper at Hunley Hotel and Golf Club, in Brotton, east Cleveland.

The 19-year-old, from Marske, near Redcar, is now maintaining the 29-hole course alongside six fellow greenkeepers.

He said: “I don’t play golf but I’ve always enjoyed working outdoors and being on a course is much more interesting than other jobs.

“There’s the usual maintenance you would expect but the standards are so much higher because of the playing surface requirements.

“We’re doing quite a lot of re-construction and drainage work, particularly on the bunkers, and I’m learning lots from my workmates.”

Mr Keeling was supported by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s routes to employment scheme.

Councillor Mark Hannon, cabinet member for economic development, added: “The routes to employment team do an outstanding job in helping young people into work.

“This is another great example of the opportunities out there for young people.”