A 14-YEAR-OLD proved age was no barrier when he came second in an under 21s carpentry and joinery contest.

Alder Grange Community and Technology School pupil Harry Connor competed in the North West heats of the Institute of Carpentry and Joinery competition organised by Lancashire Education Business Partnership.

Harry, who attends Accrington and Rossendale College two half days per week as part of a BTEC First Diploma in Construction, said: “I’ve always wanted to be a carpenter like my father.

“I’ve had a lot of encouragement from my tutors and I’m looking forward to studying carpentry and joinery full-time.”

Professional construction teacher, John Lee said: “To put this into perspective, Harry has competed against the most talented young carpenters in the North West and shown he is one of the best on the region.

“Harry’s standard of work is something that you don’t see from a 14-year-old. This is a mind blowing achievement and I have no doubt he will go onto big things.”

David Hampson, head of Alder Grange, Rossendale, said: “He really is a talented young man with a very successful career ahead of him.

“He is a great example of what our students can achieve with hard work and determination.”