County Durham-based Body Engineering, a manufacturer of precision-mach-ined and precision-turned components, has welcomed a fifth generation of the family to its ranks.

Will Body — a Darlington College apprentice — joins Body Engineering, continuing a family tradition started by his great-great-grandfather Albert, who designed and manufactured the bearings for the first jet engine produced by Sir Frank Whittle.

Albert’s son Kenneth also went into engineering, as did his son Robert, who worked for the world-famous arms manufacturer Vickers Armstrong on the Tyne.

Robert and his brother Paul set up the latest operation in 1989, with Will’s father David joining the firm from school and working his way up to managing director.

For three decades the company has produced track pins for the Ministry of Defence, keeping armoured vehicles on the road (including the latest Challenger II battle tank).

David Body (www.bodyengineering.co.uk) said: “It is amazing to think that every single British armoured vehicle runs on our components.

They have served in two Gulf Wars, the Balkans, Afghanistan and every skirmish around the world involving British armoured vehicles.

"We are finding a lack of skilled engineers for the specialist work that is required. We thought it was better to take someone on who is young and enthusiastic and — with Darlington College’s help — train them up to the level we need for the demands of modern engineering. I’m thrilled that this person turned out to be my son.”

Will Body said: “At sixth form, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. My friends were busy filling out their UCAS applications, but I wanted to do something more practical.

“My father offered me the apprenticeship, and it is going really well. I would love to take over the family business one day.”