FURNITURE-MAKER Tim Challis has scooped a prestigious national award in recognition of the outstanding quality of his craftsmanship.

Mr Challis, who lives at Broughton-in-Furness, gained the City and Guilds Medal for Excellence Award - one of only 89 medals awarded to students nationally each year.

He earned the accolade in the category for level 3 certificate in furniture production, making and repairing handcrafted furniture and furnishings.

Mr Challis, who completed a two-year furniture course at Kendal College in June last year, will be presented with his medal later this month at a special dinner in Gateshead. He, along with all the other medal winners, will attend another dinner in London in April, when a further eight medals will be handed out to the very best students.

For full story see the February 9 edition of The Westmorland Gazette.