A WELDING starlet is looking to take on the world later this year.

Nineteen-year-old Tyler Atkinson, who works for Darwen-based WEC, has already enjoyed success in the Worldskills regional and national finals.

And now the Blackburn youngster will be turning out for Team UK in construction metal work against all-comers at a global summit in the Russian city of Kazan.

Kris Mercer, WEC's group training manager, said: "We are extremely proud of what Tyler has accomplished.

"This is a huge achievement for him and it’s a tribute to the investment by WEC Group in our apprenticeships and training frameworks, as well as the effort put in by Tyler."

Tyler has been mentored by experts for the past two years and is a UK silver medallist in his discipline.

Simon Jordan, a director at Burnley College, where the teen studies, added: "To reach the finals of WorldSkills in Russia is a momentous achievement and reflects his skills, knowledge and drive to become the best."