Mansfield-based charity A Place To Call Our Own (APTCOO) was among the winners at the Midlands National Apprentices Awards.

It was awarded the Santander Award for Newcomer SME of the Year in the employer category.

The charity is a resource centre of information, advice and access to a personalised range of specialist health, care and education support services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, and their whole family unit.

APTCOO chairman David Liggins said: “The organisation has worked tirelessly over the last 18 months to develop and deliver a modern apprenticeship programme aimed at young people with an additional need or disability.

“Young people with physical and health care needs are often faced with societal barriers, such as discrimination and stigma from employers who can sometimes be hesitant when recruiting.

“This has been a fantastic experience for everyone and we have all learnt something.”

Carol Burkitt, chief executive, added: “To receive the award on behalf of the staff and apprentices is testament to the unstinting efforts of a small and dedicated team who made a success of a unique approach to modern apprenticeships, central to our innovative approach to education.”