News that two of its apprentices have been successful in a county-wide competition lifted some of the redundancy gloom at Honeywell-Normalair Ltd, Yeovil.

As previously reported, the company announced redundancies about two months ago and is understood to be negotiating with a view to let some 20 people go.

But apprentices Richie Brimble and Wesley Hosking provided excellent news with their performances in the Somerset's Young Learner of the Year competition, organised by the county's Learning and Skills Council.

Organisers say the annual competition "celebrates the success of young people who have done particularly well in learning in work".

Richie, from Stoke-sub-Hamdon won the competition and Wesley were among the five losing finalists, both attending an awards ceremony at The Walnut Hotel in North Petherton recently.

Richie pocketed a cheque for £150 and received a trophy while Wesley had a certificate and a cheque for £50.