A Bolton apprentice painter and decorator has reached the final of an awards ceremony with a prize worth £10,000.

Lily Moore, from Bolton, won an "apprentice of the year" award earlier this year.

The 18-year-old Bolton College student is now one of 10 finalists, selected from more than 1,800 applications, in the running to win the Screwfix Trade Apprentice award.

The awards ceremony will be held in a two-day event in London in May, with the winner set to receive a bundle of tools and training worth £10,000 alongside the title.

This year’s judging panel includes representatives from the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, the Federation of Master Builders, the National Inspection Council of Electrical Installation Contracting along with Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023 winner, Astrid Arnold.

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According to the company, Lily was shortlisted for demonstrating her passion, dedication and ambition for her chosen trade, which shone through during the semi-finals.

Lily said: “I can’t believe I have made it to this stage of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024!

"I’m so glad that my skills, dedication, and achievements have secured me a place in the national final.

“I love my trade and I’m really passionate about promoting painting and decorating as an attractive career for young people.

"I’ve built up a following on Instagram and TikTok where I enjoy sharing my latest projects.

“I’m very proud to be representing the hard work and dedication of all trade apprentices and I’m looking forward to showcasing my passion in front of the judges.

"To be crowned the winner would be a huge personal achievement and a highlight of my career.”

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Jack Wallace, marketing director at Screwfix, said: “As always, we have been blown away with the calibre of entries, and every one of the finalists have an incredible work ethic. It is no easy feat to make the final of this competition all whilst maintaining their study and work commitments. They should be extremely proud of making it this far.

“It has never been more important to acknowledge the fantastic work of the nation’s trade apprentices. As the industry skills gap continues to grow, highlighting the most rewarding and fulfilling aspects of the trade is vital to attracting new talent.

“Our previous winners have gone on to be trailblazers in their respective trades. I wish our 2024 finalists the best of luck and I’m sure they too will achieve great things.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.