HE may not be an old master like Michelangelo, but one apprentice from Oxford has shown he has the best decorating skills in the region.

Zak Lafford has been named the best building apprentice in the south of England.

The painter and decorator came top of the category in the Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB) Master Builder of the Year Awards.

The 25-year-old was put forward by his bosses at Thame-based company Stuart Barr CDR after he completed his three-year apprenticeship last September.

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Mr Lafford, from Risinghurst, said: “It’s good, it’s a nice little ego boost and great for the CV.

“I won £25 for being involved and then I got £100 when I won, plus a trophy that I get to keep for a year.”

The former City of Oxford College student and Wheatley Park pupil said: “I do practically anything you can think of to do with decorating.

“Apprenticeships are a good way into the industry. It speaks for itself on your CV as opposed to someone who just says they’re a decorator.”

Stuart Barr, CEO of the company, said: “Zak has shown commitment all the way through.

“In this industry it’s all about being punctual and presentable and having good communication and he has been able to do that from a young age.

“He’s a great asset to our company. Nothing’s ever a problem for him, he’s happy to stay on late and meet targets. When we had the opportunity to put apprentices forward he was the first person to spring to mind.”

Judges will now compare Mr Lafford against the other regional winners to decide who will win the title of Apprentice of the Year, as well as a cash prize of £1,000.

The national winner will be announced at a ceremony in London in February by Building the Dream presenter and architect Charlie Luxton.

FMB service director for the south Phil Hodge said: “The FMB’s Apprentice of the Year Award celebrates talented apprentices who have worked hard to achieve high standards of skill and craftsmanship in their chosen trade.

“Zak is an outstanding example of an apprentice showing commitment, dedication and determination to carve a career in this industry, and we wish him best of luck in the national final.”

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