STOCKTON Borough Council has taken on four building apprentices to tackle the shortage of skilled workers.

The council's building maintenance department appointed the trainees to its heating, ventilation and electrical section.

Richard Frame and Paul Simpson will be trained as electricians, and Christopher Walker and Mark Smith as heating engineers.

Steve Nelson, the council's cabinet member for housing, said: "We are aware of the skills shortages within the industry and have an ongoing commitment to the training and development of young people in the community.