TWO joinery apprentices are to compete against 93 of the country's most talented young tradesmen and women.

Nicky Rider and Colby Quarmby are taking part in the national final of Skillbuild.

The competition is the UK's annual skills competition for young people working in the building industry.

It will be held next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Darlington College.

It will feature bricklaying, cabinet making, carpentry, joinery, painting and decorating, plastering, plumbing, stonemasonry and tiling.

There will also be a roof thatching demonstration and visitors to the event can have a go at the various trades.

Nicky is a cabinet maker at J T Ellis Furniture at Aspley.

Colby, 18, of Northgate, Honley, works at Holme Valley Joinery, Thongsbridge.

Both won their regional heats.

They will be working against the clock and competitors from all over the country on identical projects.

These will then be judged for skill, accuracy and application of practical knowledge.

A spokesman for the contest said: "Nicky and Colby are part of a select group of the country's best young apprentices."