A CREATIVE student is carving a bright future by landing an apprenticeship with some of the world’s most famous craftsmen.

Thomas Barnes, from Northallerton, North Yorkshire, has been offered a four-year training scheme with Mousey Thompson in Kilburn, on the North York Moors.

Founded in 1919 by Richard Thompson, who dedicated his life to carving and joinery, the business boasts a global reputation for its craftsmanship.

Thomas, 16, a Northallerton College student, said: "I was lucky to secure a week’s work experience through school and I loved it. Then they asked if I would like to work through the summer holidays.

"It was a fantastic experience and a chance to try out what I had learned. I couldn’t believe it when they offered me a job; I was really surprised but very happy."

Thomas discovered he had a natural talent for wood turning and carving at the early age of 11 when he made his first grandfather-style wooden clock.

He said: "I can remember going to visit the Mouseman visitor centre with my granddad and I showed them some pictures of some wooden segmented vases that I had made.

"I am really glad that I did because they really liked them and that’s how it all started."

Thomas works mainly with oak and spends hours perfecting his skill to produce an end result to be proud of.

Thomas said: "It is really satisfying when I get to the end of making something and I can see how it has turned out. It makes all the time spent on it worthwhile."

One of the challenges Thomas is looking forward to is working on the signature mouse that can be found on every item of Mouseman work.

Thomas said: "I really enjoy carving the mouse but I can remember the first one I did, I managed to chop off the ear.

"I am getting much better now. The whiskers can be a bit difficult, but I am determined to master it."