AN apprentice joiner has been recognised as the best in the West Midlands, and he could be crowned king of his job in the United Kingdom.

William Mapp, aged 18, of Doddington, Kidderminster, won the regional SKILLBUILD competition - an annual event which is sponsored by leading builders' merchants such as CITB-ConstructionSkills and also Jewson.

Now William, who works at Treasure and Sons, in Ludlow and studies at Worcester College of Technology, will pit his skills against some of the most talented young tradespeople in the United Kingdom, all of whom are hoping to be crowned the best at the SKILLBUILD National Final in October.

Trades represented at the final will include such as bricklaying, cabinet making, carpentry, joinery, painting and also decorating, plastering, plumbing, stonemasonry and wall and floor tiling.