FOOTBALL legend Brian Clough captivated an audience of North-East apprentices during an award ceremony yesterday.

Mr Clough was visiting the region to present awards and talk to more than 100 teenagers from training provider South West Durham Training, based in Newton Aycliffe.

He delivered a fascinating and humorous insight into his career, football management and his motivation to succeed.

The event was organised to celebrate the achievements of the company's latest graduating apprentices.

They have attained qualifications in areas such as advanced engineering, electricals, customer service and business administration.

Mr Clough unveiled a plaque to mark the completion of South West Durham Training's 1,800sq metre extension, which will cater for continuing growth and will house additional equipment for polymer industry training.

The company's chief executive, Bob Waller, presented Mr Clough with a trophy to mark the occasion.

Mr Clough said: "It is very gratifying to be asked to come back to my home region and address a group of youngsters who will be the future North-East workforce.

"I wanted to get a simple message across to them that no matter what they choose to do, and luckily for me it was football, there is no substitute for hard graft, determination and, of course, the right sort of training."

Laura Ainslie and Michael Bellwood won the company's first-year business services and engineering apprentice of the year awards.

The company offers apprenticeships and vocational qualifications in advanced engineering, customer service, administration, call handling, IT, polymers and materials handling. For course details, call (01325) 313194.