A BOLTON Council employee has scooped a major national award.

Calum Gaskell, aged 22, a former apprentice at Bolton Council, won the 'Housing and Building Non-Trade Apprentice of the Year' at the Association of Public Service Excellence ( APSE's) prestigious apprenticeships awards ceremony.

Mr Gaskell, who became an apprentice in 2014, said: "There were a lot of good contenders for the awards, so I am thrilled that I beat them all.

"I really enjoy working at the council and being able to put into practice the range of skills I have learnt during my apprenticeship.

"I'm looking forward to continuing to develop my skills and help the council to communicate with its residents through a range of digital channels."

As an apprentice, Mr Gaskell carried out a range of projects with the council, including producing 'Without a Roof', collating information about Bolton's homelessness services; developing the website for the Furniture 4 U store, which offers furniture and white goods at affordable prices;and producing maps of potential development sites.

Mr Gaskell also co-ordinated assistance for residents affected by the 2015 Boxing Day floods.

He was on the front line acting as the first point of contact, via telephone, handling applications and insurance queries, identifying and liaising with contractors and providing on going support; ensuring residents were left happy with the council's response.

He also completed distance learning studies up to Level 4 in Digital Marketing.

Since completing his apprenticeship, Mr Gaskell has been taken into full time employment by Bolton Council, creating and managing websites, making social media, designing graphics and doing GIS mapping.

Cllr Ebrahim Adia said: "We are really proud of what Calum has achieved in the three years he has been with the council.

"This award is a tribute to all his hard work and we are delighted that he has won this national award.

"He has proven himself to be an excellent apprentice, assisting the council in a number of areas, especially in the areas of improving the council's websites and digital communications."