BUILDING apprentice Charlie Smith has scooped a top accolade,

He has been named South West Region Apprentice of the Year in the Federation of Master Builders’ 2019 South West Master Builder Awards.

The 25-year-old from Trowbridge was entered into the competition by Ben Lang at Chippenham’s Stonewood Builders.

He said: “Charlie has been an outstanding student throughout his apprenticeship. It was apparent from an early stage that he had a passion for carpentry and a real aptitude for the skill. His attitude to work was first class.”

Charlie said: “I was shocked when I won. I was very pleased when I was nominated but this was different. My dad was a carpenter and so I used to watch and help him work. Carpentry is so varied. You can be working on roofs and inside with skirting boards and doors. I really enjoy it and people can see your work which is nice.”

The event was at the Hilton Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon last Friday. Charlie now goes forward into the national final in London in September.