A FIRST-YEAR apprentice has outshone his elders to win a major award.

Sixteen-year-old Thomas Kennedy won the silver award in the cabinet-making category of the Yorkshire regional Skill Build competition in York.

Thomas, who lives at Lindley, joined Aspley-based Ellis Furniture last September after leaving Salendine Nook High School.

Thomas - who has his own workshop at home, where he makes furniture for family and friends - also goes to Leeds College of Building.

Keith Mallinson, Ellis's training manager, said: "It is very unusual for a first-year apprentice to take part in Skill Build."

Thomas, who competed against 12 older apprentices in his class, must wait for the other regional heats to be completed before learning whether or not he has won a place in the national finals later this year.