AN engineering company has broken its own record for the 2007 intake of apprentices.

Fort Vale Engineering, Brunswick Street, Nelson, has taken on eight new recruits for its advanced modern apprentice programme.

The company which employs about 240 staff makes valves and fittings for chemical containers.

About a fifth of its workforce is made up of apprentices or former trainees.

Carl Thornley training and development projects manager, said: "Fort Vale is quite unusual in that we still believe firmly in growing our own workforce.

"An apprenticeship here is highly sought after."