Leeds City Council (LCC) is to create 21 apprenticeship places in its parks and countryside service after unveiling plans to relaunch an initiative for the first time in more than 25 years.

It will be the service's first formal apprenticeship programme since 1984 and will see LCC work with a learning provider with the support of the National Apprenticeship Service.

LCC executive board member with responsibility for employment and skills Peter Gruen said the local authority was working to get young people into work as a "main priority".

"The scheme has worked very well in the past, as proved by our current head of parks and countryside who has been with the council since the age of 16, where he started as an apprentice," said Gruen.

Details: www.leeds.gov.uk