Nominees gathered in London for this years Apprenticeship Awards, to celebrate the achievements of apprentices across the country.

During the event - which was organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, winners were honoured in eight categories including Young Apprentice of the Year; Apprentice of the Year and Small Employer of the Year.

The awards winners enjoyed a reception and ceremony - which was presented by City & Guilds - took place at the Park Plaza Hotel Westminster, with the winners having previously triumphed in regional heats

Chris Jones, director general and chief executive of City & Guilds said: "The Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the best of the nation's students and employers from across the country, showing the breadth and quality of Apprenticeship programmes available.

"It is humbling to hear our winners' inspirational stories, some of whom have achieved extraordinary results against all odds. At a time when the country is preparing for an upturn, it is talented and motivated people like them who will contribute to future economic growth and prosperity."

Among the winners was Sune Brunton, who triumphed in the Advanced Apprentice of the Year category. Ms Brunton, develops new bakery products for supermarkets including Asda and Sainsbury's, having worked her way up from the production line at Martins Foods Limited on Merseyside.

John Hayes, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: "Apprenticeships play a huge role in providing the skills we need to build an advanced economy. They help get young people into work and boost productivity and improve competitiveness.

"The Apprenticeship Awards recognise and celebrate these benefits as well as the hard work of individuals and the commitment of employers to invest in their workforce.

"For this Government, skills are a priority and apprenticeships are at the heart of our determination to produce a new generation of craftsmen capable of building a highly skilled, competitive economy."

The full list of Apprenticeship Award 2010 winners are:

• Todd Lowndes, work placement with Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa, North West

• Holly Manley, Superdrug, National Employers Service finalist

• Sune Brunton, Martins Foods Limited, North West

• Contemporary Lowers, South East

• Royal Airforce Museum Cosford, West Midlands

• Rosy Apple Childcare Ltd, North West

• City of Lincoln Council, East Midlands

• Sellafield Ltd, North West

Mark Astley

(Pictured: Advanced Apprentice of the Year Sune Brunton with Simon Waugh, NAS CEO)