Two young professionals from Lancashire are preparing to go for gold at the ‘Skills Olympics’ in Shanghai later this year after making the UK team for the global showcase.

Abi Stansfield from Clitheroe and Kieran McShane from Burnley will be going up against rivals from more than 80 countries in an effort to be crowned the world’s best at the event in China from October 13-16.

Abi, 22, who works for BAE Systems will be competing in the CNC milling competition, a skill of designing and precision engineering for machines.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Kieran will be going for gold in the construction metalwork event.

Having triumphed in regional and national competitions, they have been training for the ultimate prize since January 2020.

Abi Stansfield said: “I was absolutely over the moon when I was told I had made Team UK. I can’t wait to get out to Shanghai and represent my country.

“All the training, hard work and effort has really paid off.”

Kieran McShane said: “I am so happy to have made Team UK and so relieved all the hard work has paid off.

"However, the hard work all starts again now, but I am really looking forward to it.

“Shanghai is somewhere I never expected to go and I can’t wait to get out there.”

Preparation for the 39-strong team is normally over two years however the 2021 finals were pushed back a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.