ONE of three apprentices trained by Durham City Council has two reasons to celebrate.

Adam Goodall, 20, of Brandon, who was hired when the council re-launched its apprenticeship scheme three years ago, has won an award for outstanding performance on his NVQ3 plumbing course at New College Durham.

He has also landed a full-time job with the council's team of workmen, who service the council's housing stock, when his apprenticeship finishes.

Steve Brown, the council's gas services officer, said: "We have three apprentices nearing the end of their apprenticeships and this year we have taken on more - five trade and two technical/profes-sional apprentices.

"We are very pleased that Adam's hard work has been recognised in this way."

Adam said: "When you are at college you only look at learning the trade and getting better at the work. The award wasn't thought about, which makes it even more of a surprise."

The council started recruiting apprentices because of the shortage of skilled, qualified tradesmen and in the hope of improving the service it gives to its tenants.