EDWARD Tadros, chairman of Ercol Furniture Ltd said he was delighted to recognise the achievements of the company's young apprentices when he spoke at a special awards ceremony.

The ceremony in the boardroom at the Princes Risborough factory on December 23 last year was held to congratulate the apprentices who had all completed their Modern Apprenticeships in Hand-Crafted Furniture during which time they attended Rycotewood College in Thame on a day-release basis for the past three years.

Mr Tadros said he thoroughly enjoyed the occasion, not just because it was further evidence of the company securing its long-term future through its skilled workforce but was also a good opportunity to find out more about what the young people do outside work.

"This year I was fascinated to hear all about far-ranging interests from pigeon fancying to travelling around Europe following Arsenal."