A DALTON woman fought off competition from hundreds of applicants to earn an apprenticeship with the South Lakes Wild Animal Park.

Myerscough College student Adelise Brewer is on course to complete her apprenticeship in Animal Care later this year.

The 27-year-old was chosen for the scheme in summer 2012 and works across the park to ensure the animals are cared for, and that the park is in top condition for visitors. Over the last year she has worked with a range of animals and now works mainly with the birds.

Karen Brewer, marketing and development manager at the zoo, said: “The Animal Care Apprenticeships with Myerscough College have proven to be a great way of bringing new talent into our business.

“They are a means to recruit enthusiastic, hard-working and passionate individuals into the park who can develop and grow into our keepers and managers of the future. “With the continued expansion of the park our apprentices really can grow with our business.”

Myerscough College’s Employer Services team works closely with Karen, assisting throughout the whole process.

Park owner David Gill said: “At South Lakes we are passionate about our animals and visitors. With the help of Myerscough College we really hope we can help mould and train the next generation of Park Keepers here at South Lakes.”