British gold medal winners from a competition equating to the skills Olympics were celebrating international success last week.
Thirty-one UK youngsters aged under 22 battled with competitors from 36 countries at the WorldSkills championships held in St Gallan, Switzerland.
The British team, which returned with two gold medals, two bronze and nine international diplomas of excellence, was congratulated by skills minister Ivan Lewis and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority chief executive Ken Boston.
Leanne Knighton won gold in beauty therapy and Lee Fawcett returned victorious in joinery from the competition, which had events ranging from hairdressing to stonemasonry.
Mr Lewis said: “I am delighted to celebrate the success of the UK team.
These young men and women show the high standards of vocational training that exist in this country. The nation is beginning to realise that vocational skills are essential to success.”
The WorldSkills championships is held every two years and lasts for four days. There are 40 trades in the competition.
