A sparky young electrician beat more than 600 others to win a top apprenticeship.

Jason Daniels, of High Street, Golders Green, was selected to join the UK Power Networks on-the-job-training scheme.

Over the next two years, the 24-year-old will join other workers as he learns how to climb electricity poles, fixing and connecting power cables or kitting out substations.

He said: “After school I started a sports science course but gave that up after realising there were not many career opportunities in that line.

“More recently I’ve been doing general building work - plumbing, roofing, window fitting and some electrical work, as well as a working at a building supplies warehouse.

“This will allow me to develop skills and have lots of different aspects to my career. I’ve never wanted a desk job – here I will be able to learn and develop all the time.”