Whitby fishermen of future shine at annual apprenticeship awards

Home-grown Whitby lad Danny Marson landed the Apprentice of the Year award in the ceremony at the Mission to Seafarers.

Danny served on board Whitby potting boats Codonger and Our Henry, owned by Whitby fishing skipper Luke Russell.

Director of the fishing school, Andy Hodgson said: “During his practical phase, we received nothing but positive feedback from his skipper, comments like reliable, hardworking, trustworthy, confident, and willing to learn new skills, are all but a few.

"He always shows a cheerful and can-do attitude, and nothing is ever a problem for this young man.”

The George Traves Awards for Excellence was won by “committed and focussed student” Ryan Collinson, with Mr Hodgson saying: “His enthusiasm for his course showed not only in the consistently high exam marks that he received, but his willingness to go above and beyond.”

Ryan spent time on board potting boat Good Intent, learning his trade with James Cole, before moving on to his father’s boat Our Joe, which operates out of Robin Hood’s Bay.

Another Whitby lad, Sam Winspear, was the proud winner of the Tony Hornigold Endeavour Award.

Mr Hodgson said of Sam: “He was exactly the sort of young man the fishing school looks for, proving to be reliable and applying himself to his learning.

"He completed his studies with minimum fuss and undertook his sea duties diligently.

"It’s been a great pleasure to see him grow in confidence and develop his skills over the last few years.”