The Company of Fellmongers of Richmond held their annual apprentice awards ceremony in the Town Hall, Richmond.

The event saw four young people given money to purchase items associated with their trade, a medal for excellence in achievement and a Burgage Certificate.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The Company of Fellmongers of Richmond at the annual apprentice awards ceremony in the Town Hall at Richmond. From left, clerk Mike Wood, Master Fellmonger Richard Sands, Xin Huang, training as an accountant at the Georgian Theatre, Katy Thackeray, an

Up until the mid-19th Century apprentices would have to serve seven years training and then, if successful, the mayor would present them with a Burgage Certificate which would allow them to trade in the town free of tariffs.

The clerk, Mike Wood, said that the company were proud to maintain the traditions of their forebears and help local young people further their careers.

The Fellmongers Company is one of at least 15 Trade Guilds known to have existed in Richmond. Employers in the town are encouraged to put forward apprentices who are in their final year, contact fellmongersclerk@gmail .com.