Russell earns the top prize (From Gazette Series)

Russell earns the top prize

A TEENAGER from Yate has been named the South West's best bricklayer, following a regional competition.

Russell Thomas, a 16-year-old at King Edmund Community School, cemented the title at the South West Schools Bricklaying Competition in Taunton.

Year 11 student Russell is the first winner from King Edmund or any South Gloucestershire school.

He has been studying construction one day a week at the City of Bristol College, as part of the school's vocational programme.

His teachers received a letter from the judges complimenting Russell on the skills and maturity he displayed throughout the competition and Russell was this week presented with a shield by headteacher Liz Shawhulme.