A BRIDPORT decorator has been placed at the top of the industry by a national trade body – for the second year running.

Ben Deer has been named apprentice/trainee of the year in the Painting and Decorating Association’s (PDA) premier trophy awards.

The 22 year-old works for his father’s business, JW Deer, based in Bridport, and studies at Bournemouth and Poole College.

Ben fought off stiff competition nationally to secure the title, which was presented at the PDA’s 27th annual premier trophy awards, in front of hundreds of representatives from the industry.

Ben, who lives in Bridport, received a certificate and Purdy products worth £500.

Ben said: “I’m delighted. To win twice is amazing.

“I love taking part in the competition. It’s challenging and testing, but very rewarding to complete.”

This year’s Painting and Decorating Association apprentice/trainee competition received an exceptional turnout, with 30 talented trainees and apprentices aged from 16 to 25 years of age taking part.

Two heats were held – one at Weston Super Mare College in which Ben entered and one at Leicester College, to determine the national winner.

This year’s competition was based upon a colour wheel, with the competitors challenged with complex setting out, free brush work on all straights and curves and a metallic sponging effect.

A stencil also had to be drawn, cut out and applied with the colour of their choice to personalise their handy work.

Neil Ogilvie, chief executive of the PDA, said: “The judging process was a very difficult and lengthy process, with the scoring judged on criteria including setting out, cutting in technique, opacity, sponging effect, stencil creation and application, cleanliness and overall appearance.

“Ben scored an incredible 94 per cent for his work and is a very worthy winner of this important industry award.

“To win once is an incredible achievement but to take the title twice is truly exceptional.”

“Ben and all the other competitors were eager, punctual and truly independent.

“The overall quality, tool skills and professionalism were outstanding from start to finish and a real pleasure to observe.”

Mr Ogilvie, judged the apprentice/trainee award, along with Phil Burgess, vice president of the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT) and APCT member Simon Whitaker.