A second year apprentice, undertaking his training at City Building, has brushed off stiff competition to scoop a significant prize in an event open to students from colleges across Scotland.

John Lockhart (19) from Pollok saw off 15 apprentice painters to win the top prize in the Johnston Leyland Painting Competition after completing a series of technical challenges designed to test his skills and workmanship.

Each of the competitors was given a drawing with sizes and colours, which they were required to reproduce to a larger scale. They were tested on:

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• Correct sizing

• Use of correct colours

• Accurate translation of drawing radius from the data provided, and

• Good opacity (depth of paint coverage)

A delighted John said: “Winning this competition is a great achievement and I’m really pleased. I was up against painters with more experience but that helped me to push myself and rise to the challenge.

“I’m really enjoying my training at City Building and this win has given me the drive to keep on doing the best I can.”

Willie Docherty, managing director at City Building said: “John should be very proud of what he has achieved and we are all delighted for him. He demonstrated the skills he has learned during his training with confidence, making him a worthy winner.”

John will now represent Scotland at the UK National Final at the Painting and Decorating Show being held in Coventry on 9 / 10 November.

David Morgan (22) from Royston, who is trained by City Building and employed by Cosmo Decorators, took second place.

(GK)