High performing apprentices from Fakenham and Sheringham have been recognised for their ambitious drive and impressive talent in the College of West Anglia (CWA) Apprenticeship Awards.

North Norfolk News: Jessica Frere-Smith presented with her award.Jessica Frere-Smith presented with her award. (Image: Archant)

Charlotte Groom, of Gatsby's Barbers and Ladies Salon, Fakenham, won CWA Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year and was presented her award by Paul Davis, Creative Director of Top to Toe Salon in Wisbech.

Jessica Frere-Smith of Whelk Coppers Tea Room, Sheringham, won Management Apprentice of the Year which was presented by Principal of the college, David Pomfret.

The awards took place at King's Lynn Town Hall earlier this month and were attended by award-winning apprentices, their employers, family and friends.

The evening was compered by Mark Reavell, Executive Director of Partnerships at CWA.

The College of West Anglia has around 1,200 apprentices and works with approximately 600 businesses.

In total, 18 apprentices – a winner from each industry sector – received awards.

Mr Pomfret said: 'Congratulations to all of our winners. They represent just a small proportion of our cohort and are a credit to the college.'

Miss Frere-Smith, 25, attended the evening with her partner and employers.

She said: 'I was shocked when I received the phone call. I started my apprenticeship with the National Trust and a lot has happened in a year, I am now working for my partner's family business. I've found that the units I complete in my apprenticeship help me to think deeper into the way that Whelk Coppers is run and I'm finding it's really starting to excel.'

The winners from the apprenticeship awards will now go forward to be further judged and whittled down to three lucky finalists. The finalists will then be invited to the college's annual student awards at the Alive Corn Exchange, in June, to find out who will be named as overall Apprentice of the Year.