One of the first young people chosen to take part in a pioneering housing project in the Harrogate district has been highly commended in the 2008 UK National Youthbuild Awards.

Louis Ridgway got his first step on the housing and career ladder through the Harrogate Youthbuild project when he was chosen to work on the conversion of a property in Mayfield Grove with the promise that it would become his new home.

Working alongside contractors to turn the property into three self-contained flats, Louis impressed local construction company, Christopher Construction, so much with his enthusiasm and willingness to learn that they have now taken him on as a full time apprentice.

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Congratulating Louis on his award and his apprenticeship, Councillor Jean Butterfield, Cabinet Member for Housing said the youthbuild project has been a win win success. She said: "Mayfield Grove was the first of the youthbuild projects and we promised to deliver more. A second property was bought and converted in Spa Lane, Starbeck and trainees are now working on a third in Mafeking Street, Harrogate. Another three properties are in the pipeline with work starting in January 2009 on a property purchased by Home Housing Association."

Trainees, who attend Harrogate College one day a week to take part in the NVQ educational programme, earn a weekly wage and, if they stay with the project, they are able to rent one of the new homes.

(CD/JM)