A YOUNG woodworker from the region is to represent the UK in the 37th Worldskills competition in Switzerland.

Lee Fawcett, of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, will compete in the joinery section of the competition this summer.

The 21-year-old has been involved in a two-year selection process in which he competed and won the regional Skillbuild competition.

He then had further training and a final assessment of his skills during three days at SkillCity, in Manchester, in November.

Competitors from across the world will take part in the competition, which tests their skills in a variety of trades, including cabinet-making and carpentry.

Each competitor has received six one-week training sessions at centres throughout the UK, where their skills have been honed.

As well as instruction in their respective crafts, the contestants also received guidance on personal development and presentation.

Mr Fawcett will leave for Switzerland in June to take part in an opening ceremony on June 18, and will compete from June 19 to 22. The results will be announced on June 25.

Wood trades sponsor Makita UK has provided a selection of power tools and hands-on training for the British competitors, who also include John Lambert, of West Yorkshire, and Martin Burdfield, of County Down.