Mansfield-based charity APTCOO (A Place To Call Our Own) has won three awards in quick succession for its work with young people who have an additional need and/or disability.

It success culminated in an invitation to Westminster for tea with the shadow minister for apprenticeships.

The charity received a gold award at the national Apprenticeship 4 England gala awards in London.

It was commended for its unique approach and style, developed in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council and local training provider Prostart, to support young people with an additional need and/or disability into an apprenticeship.

APTCOO chief executive Carol Burkitt said at the ceremony at the Emirates Stadium that she hoped to rollout the project to other young people across Nottinghamshire and invited employers to work with the charity.

She said: “The sky’s the limit for these young people. We value the support given by families, partners and the wonderful APTCOO team who have all helped to make this happen. To achieve the gold award is testament to the inspirational work of APTCOO.”

Chelsea Anderson, business admin apprentice, said: “I felt very well prepared for my first steps into work thanks to the unique and personal approach APTCOO has taken.

“This has enabled me to show others more of my personality and to do it in a fun way. I’m sticking to APTCOO’s famous motto — learning through fun without fear of failure.”

The charity’s first two award successes went to apprentice Jack Binch, as reported by the NewsJournal earlier this year, for his work towards supporting children, young people and families to have a greater voice through the use of Wiki websites.

Jack was honoured with the Wiki Champion Award by RIX Research and Media, the University of East London, and received a Courage Award from the Rotary Club of Mansfield.