TWO apprentice chefs are celebrating after winning awards from Nelson and Colne College.

Ben Ainsworth, 17, works in the Olde Spot kitchen at Fence company Roaming Roosters and won Apprentice of the Year. A company spokesman said: “We’ve always known Ben is a gem but now all his hard work has paid off and gained wider recognition. We couldn’t be prouder.”

Lauren Route, 21, works at Ye Old Sparrowhawk pub in Fence and won Advanced Apprentice of the Year. Landlord Mark Etherlington said: “We are very proud to have Lauren as part of our team. We marked her efforts by presenting her with her own knife set.”