Five new apprentices have joined the district's Street Scene team.

Allerdale council has employed the Lakes College students, who are studying towards a Level 2 qualification in cleaning and support services skills and will be seconded to the council's waste contractor FCC.

They have already been set to work tidying up the streets of Allerdale, with one of their first tasks being the removal offensive graffiti in Flimby.

Charles Holmes, head of community services at Allerdale council, said: "The Council is committed to providing training opportunities for young people in Allerdale, which also ties into our priority of improving skills and education to residents in the borough.

"We are delighted to have five apprentices on board as part of our community services team, and I am sure they will do a fantastic job of working to make Allerdale a great place to live."

Apprentice Scott Johnston, one of the apprentices, said: "The apprenticeship appealed to me as it was a really good opportunity, as it gives us the chance to learn while in full-time employment."

The apprentices have joined the council's four existing apprentices, who are studying towards a Level 3 in business administration across a number of departments, including finance, health and safety, planning and democratic services.