Lights, camera, action! Apprentices dig deep for DIY SOS

TWO apprentices at South Ribble Borough Council will be making their screen debut after accepting a challenge from popular TV programme DIY SOS.

Alex Brobbin, 20, and Ryan Turner, 18, are working on a project to revamp the grounds of Blenheim House on Newton Drive, Blackpool, alongside presenter Nick Knowles and his team. Once complete it will become a centre for the town’s young carers.

The duo, who both began two-year horticultural apprenticeships with Neighbourhood Services last October, are among dozens of tradesmen who are giving their time and skills free of charge to complete the seven-day challenge.

Both apprentices work on grounds maintenance around the borough and the three days they are spending in Blackpool complement their usual tasks of looking after roadside verges, bedding plant display, parks and hedges.

Ryan said: “It’s great fun and really good experience to work with different people. We’re on site for three days and basically we’ve started by clearing the gardens of brambles and weeds in preparation for the transformation work to begin.”

Councillor Peter Mullineaux, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and street scenes, said: “This is a great opportunity for these two young men to make a significant contribution to a worthwhile project and at the same time consolidate their growing bank of skills.

“Working as part of a team is incredibly important and this is a really fun and interesting way to do just that with a whole range of people from different trades.

“Our apprentices undergo fantastic on-the-job training, but projects like this broaden their horizons and give them a chance to really shine.”

Ryan and Alex are among 11 apprentices taken on by South Ribble Borough Council over the past 12 months, with another intake due to join them this summer.

As well as earning while they learn, all the apprentices are working towards a relevant recognised qualification with Bolton, Runshaw or Myerscough Colleges.

The BBC programme is likely to air in November as part of Children in Need.