A SELECTION of Tavistock College students from GCSE Resistant Materials and the Construction Diploma course took part in a high profile competition aimed to enhance their skills in carpentry.

The eight students who were selected from 80, had proved their high level of skill in the classroom while making their first project in year 10.

The students were greeted by professional master carpenter Ben Bullough, who judged the competition.

Ben demonstrated how to make a very challenging scarf joint. This was far beyond the experience of the students and they looked awe-struck at Ben's finesse with a chisel.

The competition then got underway with students putting their skills to the test. There was a real buzz in the workshop and the students took the challenge incredibly seriously. Several of them had benefited from practising during lunchtimes in the lead up to the event. 

The big challenge then came for Ben and head of department Pete Keegan to select the winner from many fantastic scarf joints. 

Ben said: 'I really didn't expect the students to be this good. I was constantly worried that one of them was going to make a better one than mine.'

Guy Williams was announced as the winner. He said: 'I am absolutely delighted to win Carpenter of the Year. It was a great experience and so much fun. A challenge that I will always remember and be inspired by. I found the master carpenter's story really interesting too.'  

Mrs Salmon said: 'These students were a credit to the college. We are keen to link learning to the real world and this competition was a prime example of that.'