Two builders from the Thornbury area are up for awards.

Vistry Western site manager Matt Bishop has already been named a regional winner in the West of England LABC Building Excellence Awards and will now go forward to the national awards to compete in the best residential site manager category.

The 40-year-old from Rudgeway was responsible for delivering The Orchards in Thornbury.

Matt trained as a bricklayer and was taught the skill by his father. He moved into site management in 2015 and was promoted to site manager just three years ago.

Amber Tuck, building control surveyor for South Gloucestershire Council, said: “I was the building control surveyor at The Orchards development and I’m so pleased that Matt’s hard work is being celebrated as it was evident in the quality of the build and at every site visit I attended.

“I was impressed with the high levels of compliance on site, which was over and above the required standard.”

Matt said: “I definitely learnt from the best! My dad taught me how to be a bricklayer, emphasising the importance of ‘getting it right first time’ and that it’s all about the quality. “I’m lucky to have a great team and the award is testament to their combined hard work and dedication.”

The next stage of the competition will be held in London on January 28 where the best residential site manager in England and Wales will be selected.

Meanwhile, Tyler Gaston has been named as a finalist in the rising star category in the Bristol Property Awards.

The 20-year-old from Pilning joined Vistry Group after signing up to a school visit at The Orchards development in 2018.

Impressing the construction director at the event, Tyler was offered work experience.

Tyler said: “I loved the work experience; I knew straight away that I wanted to be out on site and couldn’t believe it when I was offered a job!”

He joined the company in July 2019 following his A-levels, passed his HNC level four in construction and the built environment this year and has undertaken courses in site management supervision, scaffolding, temporary works, first aid, and fire management.

Construction director Mick Arnold said: “Tyler’s an intelligent, fast-learning individual. He has received glowing comments from customers and subcontractors who have taken the time to acknowledge his contributions on site and he has a fantastic attitude for learning.

The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, November 12 at Ashton Gate.