Thirty unemployed teenagers have enjoyed their first taste of work in a new apprenticeship scheme.

The start of National Apprenticeship Week was marked in Maidstone by the hiring of 16 to 18-year-olds not in employment, education or training (so-called NEETS).

Social enterprise Think3E has taken on the youngsters for at least six months to dismantle items such as double glazing for recycling.

Up to 200 places could be available for unemployed people of all ages over the next few months - in office as well as workshop roles - as the business in Bircholt Road expands.

The scheme is backed by Connexions, the organisation that helps young people find work, property management company Golding Homes and Kent County Council.

Gary Cooke, KCC deputy cabinet member for education, learning and skills, said: "This is a social enterprise that ticks all the boxes. It gives young people work experience and that's why I'm so enthusiastic about what we're doing here."

The event was one of several across the county that showed apprenticeships rising up the political agenda as the unemployment rate among 16 to 24-year-olds passed the million mark.