YORK-based solicitors Hethertons has been shortlisted for a prestigious local award recognising their commitment to provide apprenticeships.

Hethertons is finalists in the Small Employer of the Year category at the York Apprenticeship Award, being held tonight at York Minster.

The firm was shortlisted by a judging panel consisting of representatives from City of York Council, National Apprenticeship Service and the Leeds City Region.

The first York Apprenticeship Award winners will be named and presented their awards as part of the York Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony tonight.

Each finalist will also attend a special VIP event at The Belfry Hall before the ceremony to celebrate their achievements.

Based in York since 1948 and with an office in Boroughbridge, Hethertons provide a range of legal services for individuals and businesses including family law, employment, residential and commercial property, wills and probate, dispute resolution, succession planning and business support.

The firm has a long tradition of taking on apprentices and currently have three apprentices on their books.

Simon Nellar, managing partner at Hethertons, said: "We are delighted to be recognised for our achievement in helping young people into the legal profession.

"Our apprenticeship scheme has proved a real success, giving school leavers a real platform for a successful career in law without the need to go to university and rack up the debts which come through going down that route.

"We find the model really works for us, and means we can take trainees on at a younger age and mould them into lawyers of the future, fully versed in the ethos of the firm."