THE West of England Mayor Dan Norris welcomed several apprenticeship reforms that will benefit residents and firms in his patch.

A total of £4 million has been pledged by large firms such as Aviva, B&Q and Share to Support, to support apprenticeship reforms.

Mr Norris said: “I am hugely proud of my West of England Share to Support scheme which has raised millions - all being put to excellent use locally to equip residents right across our region with the skills they need to succeed.”

Any unspent apprenticeship funds can be transferred to another company and will increase from 25% to up to half.