A campaign by a regional newspaper to find 100 apprentices in 100 days has been extended – after reaching the target within a couple of hours.

The Bristol Evening Post launched the challenge to cut the number of unemployed young people in the city by finding them apprenticeships with local employers.

At the first event, 13 businesses agreed to create the 100 apprenticeships, so the newspaper decided to extend the campaign to find 100 firms to take part.

The newspaper has been also been praised in Parliament for the project by local MP Chris Skidmore.

Speaking at a Westminster Hall debate, he said: “I wanted to bring up a campaign in my local area that has been organised by the Bristol Evening Post to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days.

“It organised a launch event and achieved 100 apprenticeships within 100 minutes. It is a fantastic achievement.

“The editor of the Evening Post, Mike Norton, has stated that apprenticeships are highly flexible, highly effective work and training programmes that we need more of.

“It is very clear that apprenticeships bring in new talent, ideas and passion to businesses.”

The campaign is being run with the support of the City of Bristol College and the National Apprenticeship Service and has also won the backing of Lord Alan Sugar.