Newly qualified apprentices at Gloucestershire's biggest electrical contractors saw their names in lights as their success was celebrated at an awards ceremony at Hatherley Manor Hotel.

Guests at the Gloucester venue were entertained by comedian Justin Moorhouse, who also handed out awards to 23 'graduates' of the Clarkson Evans apprenticeship programme.

Included in that number were 21 newly qualified electricians and two former business administration apprentices.

Nathan Evans, managing director of Clarkson Evans, said: "We really look forward to these evenings. It's a great opportunity for us to focus on the achievements of our staff and to celebrate with them. As a former electrical apprentice myself, I know how tough the training is."

The qualified apprentices were full of praise for their mentors, family and friends for their support during their training, and are looking forward to developing a career with Clarkson Evans.

Lauren Martin, who undertook a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Business Administration and is now a fully qualified HR Administrator and City & Guilds Apprenticeship Ambassador, said: "It was a really good evening and it made it more special that I could celebrate with my family and boyfriend.

"I think it is great that Clarkson Evans put on these awards evenings as it shows how much they want to develop us as former apprentices and help us achieve our goals."

Lindsey Young, chief operating officer at Clarkson Evans, said: "It was really interesting to hear from our newly qualified staff, with many of them commenting on how they would be using the extra money they now earn to save up for buying a house. This helps underline the value of apprenticeships as a worthwhile career option."

Clarkson Evans' branch network now stretches from Newquay to Crawley and Southampton to Stafford and the firm employs 850 staff.

It works alongside some of the biggest names in UK housebuilding - including Persimmon Homes, Bovis, Barratt, Taylor Wimpey and David Wilson Homes.