Car-maker Lotus has announced it is to take on a raft of new apprentices.

Group Lotus, which employs 1,060 people at their headquarters in Hethel, will be taking on 25 apprentices next month.

The move comes as the government set out a pledge to create 3 million apprenticeships by 2020.

The sports car manufacturer further reinforced its commitment to the county by stating it is currently in the process of employing an additional 200 workers.

The apprentices and additional workforce of skilled manufacturers will be assigned to the production of the new Evora 400 and will allow for increased production of the Elise and Exige.

The company is working in conjunction with training specialists Poultec, based in Dereham, to deliver the apprenticeships which will see trainees based at the Hethel headquarters.

The apprenticeships are the first to be offered by the car manufacturer for five years.

Jean-Marc Gales, chief executive officer for Group Lotus plc, said there were two reasons for taking on apprentices - firstly to help recruit local staff and secondly to add to the skills of the manufacturing workforce.

Mr Gales said: 'Many managers have started as apprentices. We want to hire more local talent. People tend to be loyal to the company where they've learnt their skill.

'This is an alternative to a university degree. It gives such a good foundation to build on.'

The major recruitment drive will bring total employment on the site back up to 1,222 at the end of 2015, including the 25 apprentices and 11 engineering graduates.

Mr Gales said: 'It's a great step to ensure the future of Norfolk car manufacturing and is a signal to our suppliers to do something similar.

'By the end of this year we will employ 20 more people than last year.'

Staff numbers fell last year as Lotus made 282 administrative and engineering staff redundant.

The company, which has clearly stated its commitment to Norfolk, will celebrate its 50th year in the county in 2016.

Mr Gales said: 'We are loyal to Norfolk. Norfolk is Lotus and Lotus is Norfolk.'

With the company expecting to produce 3,000 cars per year by March 2016, Mr Gales said the company could even take on another 200 staff if it reaches its production target of 4,000 cars per year by 2017/18.

The City and Guilds accredited apprenticeship scheme is supported by Norfolk County Council.