DERWENT Training Association in Malton has supported its charity of the year by putting its apprentices’ budding engineering skills to use.

Its chosen charity, Saint Catherine’s, tasked the apprentices to bend the stems of their charity sunflowers which will then be sold to raise vital funds for patient care.

Most of the work was completed by second year apprentice Tom Bowes, who works at McCain Foods in Scarborough.

Derwent Training works in partnership with local employers to train the next generation of engineers through the Apprenticeship route.

Claire Gavaghan, chief executive officer of Derwent Training, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our connection with Saint Catherine’s.

“The engineering apprentices have been learning about the role of corporate social responsibility within businesses.”

“They recognise all companies have an obligation to support their local community and they have used their skills to create the desired sunflower effect for the hospice.’’