WINNERS of Bolton At Home's 2006 Apprentice Awards celebrated their success at a town hall ceremony.

The event recognised 17 people who have successfully completed their apprenticeships, as well as outstanding performers from each year.

The awards were presented by Bolton At Home chairman Cllr Noel Spencer and former Wanderers chief executive Paul Fletcher, who was guest speaker.

Cllr Spencer said: "We take considerable pride in acknowledging and recognising our apprentices.

"They apply themselves with great commitment and make a real contribution to housing and environmental improvements across the borough."

Matthew Taylor, aged 20, a heating engineer from Egerton, was named overall apprentice of the year.

He said: "My apprenticeship has helped me gain new skills and it has boosted my confidence.

"I am delighted to have won this award and my family are very proud of me."

Bolton At Home manages the council housing - 18,000 properties.

It has 54 apprentices in training, five of whom are female. Their jobs include heating engineers, plumbers, electricians, bricklayers and plasterers.