DARWEN firm Crown Paints has announced a sponsorship deal with the UK’s largest skills and careers event, The Skills Show.

The Hollins Road company will provide all the materials for the Painting and Decorating competition section of the event, which runs from November 14 to 16 at the NEC in Birmingham.

Debbie Orr, trade marketing manager of Crown, said: “Crown Paints has been involved in skills competitions for newcomers to our industry for more than 35 years and believes that The Skills Show is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the real talent we have in the UK to a wider audience.”

Chief executive of The Skills Show Ross Maloney said he was excited about the opportunities the partnership offered.

He said: “As a sponsor, Crown Paints will engage, inform and inspire the talent of tomorrow and will have the opportunity to interact with and inform key influencers including teachers, career professionals, parents and employers.

“Not only will it have a fantastic opportunity to promote its brand, but Crown Paints will be able to position itself at the heart of skills, vocational training and apprenticeships.”