TRAINEE builder Gareth Hutchinson is young bricklayer of the year.
The 18-year-old from Coxhoe, County Durham, won the junior bricklayer of the Northern region title by constructing a near perfect brick model.
Gareth, who is on an advanced modern apprenticeship through County Durham's Training and Skills Council, has already been offered a job with Wimpey Homes in Darlington.
Fellow apprentice Matthew Vollens, from building firm Moffat and March, Bishop Auckland, came third in the senior competition.
It was the first time the skills council's training department had entered the competition.
Training supervisor Chris Lee said: "I've done apprenticeship competitions myself and know how tough they can be so they have both done exceptionally well. We already have our sights set on next year's competition.
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