BRUSHING up his skills has won a trainee decorator a prize.
Richard Allen scooped the Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) Most Improved Student of the Year at Hartlepool College for Further Education.
He competed for the award against hundreds of students.
Richard, 18, joined Hartlepool College just one year ago.
Since then, he has attained NVQ Level Two in painting and decorating.
Richard is serving his apprenticeship with painting, decorating and joinery contractors Bagnalls and attending the college one day a week.
He is now progressing to the NVQ Level Three programme.
Bob Trewhitt, head of curriculum at the college, said Richard's progress has been remarkable.
He said: "He had limited prior knowledge when he joined us, but he has shown 100 per cent motivation, dedication and hard work to achieve excellent results.
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