Businesses will now be able to decide whether trainees over the age of 19 need to complete a Level 2 English and Maths qualification — the equivalent of a GCSE — to pass their apprenticeship.

Also, the minimum length of apprenticeships will be reduced from 12 months down to just eight.

The government claims the changes will enable around 10,000 more apprentices to be recruited each year.

Secretary of state for education, Bridget Philipson, said the changes struck “the right balance between speed and quality.”

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Toolstation has joined forces with youngsters from social enterprise Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) to restore the interior of Plumstead Common Working Men’s Club.

The community club was restored by 27 volunteers aged between 14 and 24 years old.

As well as giving the local darts venue a facelift, the project introduced volunteers to their first taste of working in the construction trades.

The team redecorated the venue, sanded floors and repaired damaged walls, doors and skirting boards.

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A plumber has stumbled upon a horde of ancient coins while out with this metal detector.

David Dunn from Leicestershire unearthed 50 coins dating back to Roman times in a field not far from his home.

The coins are due to be auctioned later this month and are expected to raise around £50,000.

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