BLACKBURN Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen was special guest at this year’s Apprentice of the Year awards for Darwen-based WEC Group.

The overall title went to 20-year-old Amir Khan.

David Ashworth won the Commitment award, Philip Brookes took the Welding Excellence award, and Daniel Hutchinson won the Outstanding Achievement prize.

Instructor Kris Mercer at the Junction Street welding company said: “It’s been four years since we opened the academy doors and the standard just keeps rising.

“Amir adapted brilliantly to an engineering environment after coming from the food industry and has excelled throughout the year.

“We have just taken on 10 new apprentices for 2010 and hope to have continued success."

The event was held at Astley Bank Hotel, Darwen.