Four Albion youngsters are celebrating the step from scholars to fully fledged professionals.

Adam Hinshelwood and Daniel Harding have been awarded two-year pro contracts, Dan Beck a year and injury-hit Nicky Bridle three months.

Adam Hinshelwood, nephew of ex-manager Martin Hinshelwood, and Harding have both played for the first team this season.

Martin, now director of football, said: "Hinsh was magnificent at Burnley in the first game of the season. It was my first in charge and he was on a hiding to nothing.

"He showed a lot of people that day the maturity he has for an 18-year-old. When Steve Coppell came in he started against Derby home and away and he has been on the bench for a lot of games.

"I think centre half is his best position, but he has still done well in the Reserves when he has played at rightback.

"Dan was unlucky. When I was in charge we had a few injuries and he came on against Grimsby. Unfortunately he hurt his back after that.

"By the time he got himself fit I had left the scene. He's got a very good brain and again he's a boy that can play in two or three different positions.

"He never gets flustered, he's a good user of the ball and we have got very high hopes for him."

Beck, re-signed by Albion from Bristol City for £300, is a forward who can play through the middle or wide.

Bridle, a rightback or centre half, needed ankle surgery earlier in the season.

Hinshelwood said: "He hasn't had an opportunity to impress as much as the others, so he has got a three-month deal starting in July."

The Seagulls have decided against offering contracts to Phil Bartholomew and Chris Greatwich.

Hinshelwood added: "It's difficult because you have the joy for those boys taken on, but then you have the disappointment for Phil and Chris.

"They have been a credit to their themselves, their families and the club, but you have to make that decision about the next step up."