A NORTH-East apprentice has been named the best young painter in the country.

New College Durham student Ryan Chamberlain was awarded the Johnstone’s UK Young Painter of the Year 2014 award.

The 18-year-old from Ushaw Moor, County Durham, triumphed in the North-East heat before winning the national prize following a two-day final at the National Painting and Decorating Show at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Mr Chamberlain, a level two painting and decorating apprentice who spends four days a week working at Beamish Museum, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the competition – working closely with Johnstone’s technical team, learning new skills, meeting new people and working under the pressure of being constantly watched by the thousands of visitors to the show.

“It’s given me a big confidence boost and I know that when it comes to taking the first steps in my career after college, owning the Young Painter of the Year 2014 title is going to make a massive difference to my CV.”

Mr Chamberlain wins prizes worth £2,000, plus £500-worth of paint vouchers for his college.

Ian Gaskill, head of school for technology at New College Durham, said it was a fantastic achievement and the college was immensely proud.