MAKING a birch-framed, oak-veneered wall cabinet in less than 18 hours was no trouble for a Gargrave man, who walked off with second prize in a national competition.

Chris Manger, 19, of West Street, travelled to Ballymena, in Northern Ireland, for the competition which he heard about through Manchester Arts and Technology College where he is a student.

First, though, he had to compete in the regional final where he had to reach a certain standard in order to be able to go forward and compete in the national Skillbuild awards.

Chris began cabinet and furniture-making for David Paling, of Revivals, on Skipton's Sidings at the age of 16 after completing work experience there. He is now employed part-time by the company while attending the Manchester college on a BTEC national diploma course.

"I was really pleased to achieve second place because there were a lot of people who had entered with many different skills," said Chris.

As well keeping his wall cabinet, he received a medal and £200.