TWO Bradford companies demonstrated their commitment to apprenticeships during a visit by skills minister Nick Boles.

His first port of call, accompanied by Tanya Graham, prospective Conservative candidate for Bradford South, was Luxury Fabrics Ltd in Edward Street where he met four of the company's six apprentices and was shown the production process. Among them was the company's apprentice of the year Josh Lockwood who recently completed his training .

Managing director David Gallimore said: "It was a very successful visit with the minister showing a deep interest in our apprentices and our business. As a private Bradford business we're very proud of our commitment to apprentices in various parts of the operation including the fibres and yarns divisions,who are the lifeblood of our and the the textile sector's' future."

Luxury Fabrics produces textiles under leading brands, including John Foster, William Halstead and Charles Clayton. Customers include Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Prada and Chanel.

Nick Boles also visited Yorkshire Water's Esholt water treatment site with Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew. He was briefed about the company's expanded apprenticeship programme which will create 160 apprenticeships over the next five years, mainly in operational roles.