TWO teenage decorators are brushing up on their painting skills in readiness for a national contest.
Ryan Chamberlain and Gemma Chizary, both 19, are through to the final of Crown Paints’ Crown Trade Apprentice Decorator of the Year competition, which carries a £1,000 first prize.
The New College Durham trainees qualified at a regional heat held at Hartlepool College.
The final will be held at the NEC in Birmingham in November.
Mr Chamberlain, from Ushaw Moor, said: “The heat was a tough challenge and a lot of hard work, so I was really pleased to come through it.
“I’m delighted to have reached the final and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Miss Chizary, from Langley Park, said: “Winning the national title would be a fantastic start to my career. I know I’ll be up against some of the best in the country, but I’ll give it my best shot and see what happens.”
Competitors will challenged to create a rugby ball stencil design, to celebrate the Rugby World Cup.
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