BEXLEYHEATH and Crayford MP David Evennett has welcomed a significant rise in the number of apprentices in the borough.

Last year, the equivalent of five people started their apprenticeship every day, bringing the total to 1,950.

This figure is double the amount seen by the previous Labour government, with just 980 starting in 2009/2010.

Mr Evennett said: "Apprenticeships are an excellent way of getting high quality work based-training.

“I’m delighted Bexley residents and businesses are benefiting from this investment.

“I would urge local companies to contact the national apprenticeship service to learn about the benefits of apprenticeships to their firm.”

Nationwide, more than half a million new apprenticeships started in 2011/2012, an increase of 86 per cent.