Crewkerne stonemason prepares to represent UK (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Crewkerne stonemason prepares to represent UK

8:39am Monday 18th July 2011 in News By Jamie Brooks

A CREWKERNE stonemason is set to represent the UK in an international skill Olympics.

Christopher Berridge, 22, has been selected for Team UK at WorldSkills London 2011, which will take place at the Excel Centre on Wednesday, October 5, to Saturday, October 8.

Christopher, who works at Harveystone in Stoke-sub-hamdon, was also honoured at a reception for the team hosted by The Duke of York to celebrate his inclusion in the team, after sealing his place through a four day selection competition in June.

Some 1000 competitors from over 50 countries will compete in 46 skill areas at World Skills with the event also offering advice and guidance on careers and apprenticeships.

Christopher said: “It is a huge honour to have been selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills London 2011 and attend a reception at Buckingham Palace.”

To prepare for the competiton, Christopher will spend from now until October in training for the event. When the News caught up with him this week he was also busy sitting a forklift truck driving test.

WorldSkills will be the world’s largest international skills competition with young people from across the globe competing to be the ‘best of the best’.

Christopher added: “I know the next few months will be tough as I will be in training for the event and I really hope the whole of the country gets behind Team UK for WorldSkills London 2011 like they do our sporting teams!”

For more information on the competition follow the link below.