A young gardener who helps keep the Olympic Park in top shape has taken home a gold medal of his own.

Jack Connolly, 19, won Apprentice of the Year at the East Works Awards, run by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) as part of its programme to get youngsters into work around the park.

The Haggerston teen applied through the government’s apprenticeships website before starting his role as a horticultural apprentice in March.

“I was looking for a job in this sort of industry after finishing college,” he said. “I always liked gardening when I was younger but I hadn’t been doing it for the last few years.”

Jack works in the north of the park and paid tribute to his colleagues after his win.

“It [winning] was brilliant,” he said. “But I think I only got it because I have been helped so much by the management.”

Jack, who has his eye on a management role in the future, added: “It’s definitely worthwhile to do something in this because you are learning on the job.”