A project to help preserve rural skills by training apprentices in the North York Moors National Park has earned the authority £10,000.

The organisation, based at Helmsley, has been named the regional winner of The Edge Employer Awards 2006.

The independent Edge foundation is dedicated to raising the status of vocational and practical learning among 14 to 24-year-olds.

Richard Gunton, the national park's director of recreation and management, said: "We are delighted with our success because it has helped a number of young people by training them in skills, which has resulted in several getting full-time employment."

Edge chief executive Andy Powell said: "The park has created some fantastic opportunities for young people and has shown that hands-on learning is good for employers and employees alike."

"The cash prize will be used to invest in further training of apprentices", said Mr Gunton.