WHEN it comes to bricklaying skills, Gareth Hutchinson is proving to be a real winner at every level.

The 19-year-old, from Coxhoe, has just scooped the title of Senior Bricklayer of the Northern Region having learnt his skills on work-based training through County Durham Learning and Skills Council.

Now, he is preparing to take on apprentices from all over the UK in a bid for a national title.

Last year, Gareth delighted his training supervisors at Sedgefield Borough Council and his bosses at Wimpey Homes, when he won the regional junior bricklayer title.

At the time they tipped him as a strong contender for the senior award this year and they have been proved right.

Gareth said: "The senior competition involved completing decorative brickwork from a drawing and was quite difficult.

"It tests a number of different skills so it is a challenge, and I'm delighted to have won.

"I'm looking forward to the national final and will be doing my best for the region."

He added: "The modern apprenticeship I took through the Learning and Skills Council has meant that I could gain the qualifications I need at the same time as earning a wage."

Tom Adams, site manager at Wimpey Homes, said: "Gareth has done exceptionally well and everyone here is wishing him success in the final.

"He impressed us from the start when he arrived on his work placement, and we offered him a permanent job. He is going to start training as a foreman shortly."

Wimpey Homes has 16 modern apprentices on its books.