A CONSTRUCTION firm is celebrating after two of its apprentices won awards in the regional heats of a national competition.

Joinery apprentice Steven Spoor and plastering apprentice Martin Horner, of MMP Group, in Bishop Auckland, both won their categories and will now represent the company and the North-East in the national Skill Build finals, in Glasgow.

Martin, 18, who was second in last year's competition, was also named MMP's trainee of 2004.

Bricklaying apprentice Daniel Robinson, 18, was third in his category in his first year of training. He is studying for his NVQ Level 3 at Bishop Auckland College.

Jeff Fryer, managing director of the MMP Group, said: "We're immensely proud of Steven, Martin and Daniel.

"They clearly have a bright future ahead of them and we look forward to the finals and seeing their construction careers develop further."