An Evesham McDonald's worker has been honoured with an apprenticeship award.

James Byford, the business manager of the Evesham outlet, was recognised at the maiden McDonald's Apprenticeship Awards.

This award ceremony celebrates the achievements of apprentices, coinciding with McDonald's 50-year presence in the UK, and the milestone of supporting more than 21,000 apprenticeships since 2006.

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The company has run award-winning apprenticeships for over 18 years, presenting over 20 programmes across the country.

The fast-food franchise incorporated the apprenticeships into its commitments to sustainability, and currently backs over 1,000 of their people to complete an apprenticeship.

Mr Byford said: "Leaving sixth form early and deciding not to attend university was scary at first, but working at McDonald’s has opened up opportunities for me.

"I’m already applying the skills I’ve gained in my apprenticeship, and with the support of my family, friends, and teammates, I’m excited to see what the future holds."

He took part in Evesham's restaurant Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship Level 6 programme, achieving The Aspire Award at the McDonald’s Apprenticeship Awards after catching eyes for his professional growth and contributions to other people's professional journeys.

With an early ambition to become a business manager, Mr Byford helped develop four new managers and eight new crew trainers.

Franchisee Sarah McLean, who owns and operates 21 McDonald’s establishments across the Midlands, including Evesham, said: "It is vital that all my employees feel able to pursue their ambitions, so we’re delighted to have been able to offer James the flexibility he needed to study and complete his apprenticeship.

"I hope that the launch of the McDonald’s Apprenticeship Awards will inspire people to choose a scheme that will help them realise their full potential.

"The team and I are hugely proud of James, and I hope to see more of our people take advantage of the learning and development programmes McDonald’s has to offer."

Apprenticeships are available to McDonald's employees across the nation.

It combines on-site training with studying, becoming an ideal option for people looking to earn while they study.

Every apprentice also receives a designated mentor at the start of their journey.