Andy Thornton nutures joinery talent

ELLAND-based commercial joiners and furniture specialists are celebrating the success of one of its award winning apprentices.

Daniel Collinson, who is a second year apprentice at the firm, claimed the top joinery prize in the Yorkshire round of the nationwide Skillbuild competition.

The 18-year-old beat 80 other entrants and will now represent the region in the national finals. The national winner will then have the opportunity to compete to take place in the international final in Calgary in September next year.

The joinery competition consisted a test of practical skills, and the knowledge needed to carry them out. All entrants were given a set drawing of a sash frame, and then had just six hours to redraw and make it.

Andy Thornton specialises in designing and manufacturing bespoke fixture and fittings for the leisure sector and has clients throughout the UK and Europe.

As well as manufacturing it sources and supplies a unique range of indoor and outdoor furniture from gazebos to church pulpits.