A TEENAGE fitness fan has landed an apprenticeship teaching PE at a primary school.

Luke Elms, 19, from Willington, has been hired by Peases West Primary School in Billy Row, Crook, to help run its sports department.

He secured the role through Bishop Auckland College’s new two year School Sport and PE Apprenticeship, and the teenager is believed to be the first in the North-East to find work through the scheme.

Mr Elms said: “I have a genuine passion for sport and this is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside children, families and staff to further develop PE and sporting opportunities, skills and experiences in school.

“The children in Peases West Primary and Nursery School are so enthusiastic and motivated to succeed.”

Since his appointment, two other County Durham schools - Cockton Hill Infants and Toft Hill Primary in Bishop Auckland - have announced they are now recruiting for similar positions.

Alison Johnson, headteacher of Peases West Primary School, said: “We are delighted to have Luke as part of our primary and nursery school team.”

The new School Sport and PE apprenticeship has been introduced by the college’s Sport and Fitness Academy as part of plans to broaden the curriculum.

Katy Graham, learning area manager for Uniformed Public Services and Sport, said: “We have had fantastic feedback from our very first school who have taken on an apprentice and the impact that he has made upon the school in the short time he has been there - this is exactly the aim of this scheme.”