A JOINER from Leyburn has won the WorldSkills title. Lee Fawcett, 21, scored gold in the Makita WorldSkills 2003 competition in Switzerland.

Against worldwide opposition, Mr Fawcett, a member of the 31-strong British team, brought all his skills to bear on a difficult set project. He said: "When I opened the plans and instructions I felt worried but the moment I got the first piece of timber cut to size I was under way. There is never enough time in these competitions and the modular piece was harder than I expected; I had to work flat out for four days. It was a great experience and I've made a whole bunch of friends."