A PAIR of Accrington and Rossendale College students are competing in the national skillbuilding awards.

Plasterer Jamie Critchley, 17, of Helmshore, qualified as a first-year student and is looking forward to the challenge of competing against more experienced plasterers.

Eighteen-year-old Leah Corbridge, of Rising Bridge, took the gold medal in the Regional Skillbuild events for painting and decorating.

She said: "I'm very proud to be competing against the best painters and decorators in the country. I know how high the standard is, but I've had some extra training with my tutor, Glenn Studholme, and I'm confident I'll do well. I'd also like to thank my employer, WN Powells, of Great Harwood, for giving me extra time off to improve my skills."

Plastering tutor, Rob Wilson said: "The standard in these competitions is very high, so for Jamie to get to the Nationals in his first year is amazing.

Winner of the national competition will progress to the World Skillbuild championships.