A Drumchapel apprentice has been crowned Britain’s best young painter and decorator after winning a top national industry award.
Ricky Booth, who works with Persimmon Homes, was named Apprentice of the Year (Junior) at the Painting and Decorating Association’s Premier Trophy Awards at Plaisterers’ Hall in London.
The achievement followed a successful journey through regional and UK competitions, beginning with victory in the Scottish heat at Glasgow Clyde College.
Mr Booth then progressed to the national final at Doncaster College, where he competed against leading apprentice decorators from across the UK in a series of practical challenges.
Following his award win, Mr Booth was also recognised at Westminster after Patricia Ferguson MP invited him to Parliament and presented him with an Early Day Motion celebrating his achievement.
The award adds to a growing list of honours for the Drumchapel apprentice, who has previously been named Glasgow Clyde College’s Apprentice of the Year and secured podium finishes in other skills competitions.
He was one of only two finalists invited to attend the London ceremony, where he competed for the national title against the country’s top emerging decorators.
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Ricky Booth said: "To be named Britain's Apprentice of the Year is an incredible feeling.
"It's been an amazing journey and I'm grateful to everyone at Persimmon Homes and Glasgow Clyde College who has supported me.
"To then be recognised in Parliament as well is something I'll never forget."
Patricia Ferguson MP said: "Ricky’s skill and hard work have been recognised, and I couldn’t be happier for him and for his family.
"It was lovely to be able to show him around parliament and to hear more about the competition he faced and his hopes for the future."
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