A new team of fully fledged aircraft mechanics have graduated from the engineering apprenticeship scheme with KLM at their facility at Norwich Airport.

The 11 apprentices completed their four-year course on Monday, and have now been employed by the company ahead of its busy maintenance season.

New graduate George Lewis said: 'It's been a great four years of training and has provided us with valuable work and life skills. I feel privileged to be qualifying as an aircraft mechanic and working in such a skilled and exciting industry.'

The upcoming group of 12 apprentices have also joined the hangar team at the airport for the first time, carrying out practical assessments alongside current engineers, as well as studying the theory element of aeroplane care.

Henry Wetherell is one of these apprentices, and said: 'I have been interested in aviation since my first flight and visit to an aircraft cockpit. I am really excited to have been selected for this apprenticeship.'