LANCASHIRE apprentices have been celebrated in an awards ceremony.

Lancaster and Morecambe College hosted their annual Apprentice Awards to recognise the efforts of apprentices and employers over the past year.

The audience heard why each apprentice and employer had been nominated, with awards being given out for best team player, most improved apprentice, and most dedicated apprentice, amongst others.

Alison Mariner nominated Joel Beal for the Best Team Player category, who works at Carnforth North Road Primary School and went on to win the award.

Alison said: "Joel has proved himself to be a very personable young man who has built professional relationships with all of the staff, children and parents with whom he liaises with on a daily basis.

"His dedication to his work has been without fault. He has developed into a valued and respected member of the team and who has proven his ability to develop the efficiency of our school and the effectiveness of the Business management."

The overall apprentice of the year was Ashton Braithwaite and the Best New Employer award went to The REACH Centre.

Speaking after the event Jamie Hughes said: "The Apprentice Awards are an event I look forward to every year. I am immensely proud of the achievements of all our apprentices and employers."