A TEENAGER with a famous baking name is rapidly rising through the ranks at an East Lancashire bakery thanks to a modern apprenticeship programme.

Nicholas Warburton, 18, is no relation to the famous Warburton bakery family of TV advert fame, but he has already enjoyed the sweet taste of success by scooping a number of prizes in the annual Cardiff Masterbakers Exhibition.

Nicholas, who works at Billington's Bakery, Haslingden, won four first prizes and five seconds in the bread and confectionery categories in only his second entry into the competition.

"I always wanted to be a baker and started working at Billington's on Saturdays when I was at school," said Nicholas. "I started a foundation modern apprenticeship when I left Haslingden High School which helped me to achieve a NVQ level 2 in bakery and craft."

The teenager is now brushing up on his skills and working towards an NVQ level 3 as part of his advanced modern apprenticeship in craft bakery with support from Blackburn College.

"I think the best thing about the modern apprenticeship is that I get to know more about the industry on the job," added Nicholas. "I'm lucky because I'm working in a place which I enjoy, gaining nationally recognised qualifications along with plenty of practical experience and a wage."

Bakery manager Andrew Billington said: "Nicholas is progressing well and he deserves the recognition for his hard work and dedication to the job.

"He is a real credit to the team and I'm certain he has a bright future ahead of him in the bakery industry."