COUNTY councillors have earmarked funding for businesses in Eden to take on apprentices.

Cumbria County Council’s Local Committee for Eden agreed to boost youth employment prospects by making £10,000 available to small and medium-sized firms creating new apprenticeships.

The grants of up to £2,000 per apprenticeship – made up of £500 from the county council and £1,500 of Government funding – will cover a proportion of the apprentice’s first year wage.