A DECORATOR from Bridport has fought off national competition to claim a national apprentice title.

Ben Deer was named Crown Trade Apprentice Decorator of the Year last week, taking the prize in front of thousands of visitors at the Birmingham NEC.

The 22-year-old picked up the £1,000 prize for first place, beating off competition from some of the most talented young apprentice painters and decorators in the country.

The Bournemouth and Poole College student, who works for family business JW Deer, based in Bridport, believes winning the competition is 'a massive step in the right direction'.

He said: "The Crown Trade Apprentice Decorator of the Year competition is a real showcase for the industry, so to win the title is a huge feather in my cap.

"It's a fantastic boost to my confidence and something that will stand me in good stead throughout my career.

“My ambition is to set up my own business in Australia one day and this is a massive step in the right direction.”

The competition could be a springboard for Ben, as it is used to talent spot decorators with the potential to compete at the prestigious Worldskills event.

The annual tournament supports training and education for the next generation of industry professionals.

Ben was one of 12 apprentices who came through regional heats. Those taking part were challenged to plan and paint a complex rugby ball stencil design against the clock, to coincide with the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Ben added: "It was difficult as we had to work to very detailed skill drawings and, because that’s where most of the marks are, it had to be perfect.

“I was nervous as there was a big crowd and, though it went well, I couldn’t believe it when I found out I’d won.”

The skills show is an influential training and careers event featuring more than 50 trades-based competitions in which the ‘best of the best’ in each sector battle it out for the national title.

Kevin O’Donnell, product trainer and competition manager at Crown Paints and Apprentice Decorator of the Year coach, said: “This year’s final posed a true test of skills, attention to detail, time management and ability to work under pressure.

“It was a complex project which required a great deal of skill and the standard on show was unbelievable.

“But Ben’s expertise shone through in the end. He showed a tremendous amount of talent and ability and was a worthy winner.”