Heavy winds and a swinging lorry door meant an apprentice had to call upon her new health and safety skills on a day when inspectors were on site.

Office administrator Charlotte Webb, 19, called an ambulance and guided crews to the office of family-run EcoSan in Ashford after a colleague had an accident at work.

Warehouse operative Judith Osbourn was hit on the head when a van door swung open in the high winds, and Miss Webb quickly took control of the situation.

Her actions impressed auditors for BSH, who were inspecting the business for a health and safety accreditation.

Miss Webb – who is studying for a Level 2 in business and administration through Learn Direct – also took the initiative to document all the events.

EcoSan director Sonja Wood said: “Charlotte is a credit to the company, and to young apprentices everywhere, as to what can be achieved.

“She is due to finish her apprenticeship in April with EcoSan, and we have offered her a permanent position within the company.”

Miss Webb added: “My apprenticeship has been good, and I like the fact it is work-based. I don’t go to college but do all my training here, so I’m really part of the team.”

To find out more about hiring an apprentice, click here, or email kickstartkent@thekmgroup.co.uk.