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.