23 year old student, Luke Overington has been named the National Horticultural Apprentice of the year - an award made by the Association of Public Service Excellence.

Luke was the College's apprentice of the year in 2005 - 2006 and he was invited to the Annual Environmental Services Seminar in Stoke-on-Trent last October where he was interviewed by the awards panel.
At the ceremony held that evening, Luke discovered that he had beaten off competition from staff from councils such as Glasgow, Cardiff, Wakefield and Salford to be named as the top horticultural apprentice in the UK.
Luke said: "I am very grateful to the council for giving me the opportunity for day release at Capel Manor Horticultural College and external training that I have been encouraged to go on. My thanks to the management team and work colleagues for all the advice and support they have given me in the last three years, and for the variety of work I have been trusted with and allowed to do."
Cllr. Bob Little, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Adult Education said: "Barking and Dagenham Council are proud of Luke for this achievement.
"His progress is a testament to the standard of apprentices who are currently training with the council. The scheme is producing highly trained craftspersons and also provides quality employment to people across the borough.
"We wish Luke the very best of luck in his future horticultural career."
Luke is an apprentice in the parks service with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and was nominated by his manager, Damien Parker who is the Group Manager of Leisure, Parks, Cemeteries and Security.