A youngster who signed up for plumbing courses has described how much he is enjoying his apprenticeship in County Durham.

Matthew Phillippo, 16, said he understands how difficult it can be to get on such a programme and is really enjoying himself, according to Newton News.

He revealed that he learns something new each day he is on the job with an experienced tradesman, while also attending plumbing courses one day every week.

"Before I left school I decided to try and get an apprenticeship in plumbing and was really pleased to be offered a place," Mr Phillippo was quoted as saying.

The teenager was taken on by Hewitt Plumbing in Bishop Auckland, with company representative Craig Hewitt describing the apprentice as a "hardworking lad".

According to recent statistics released by the Association of British Insurers, there was no shortage of work for plumbing professionals in December 2010, with 103,000 claims made for burst pipes during that period.

Want to know more about our plumbing courses