A HAMPSHIRE carpentry student has nailed first place in a prestigious competition.

City College Southampton student Louis Hixon-Denton gained the top spot in the popular CITB SkillBuild 2015 South East regional heat and is now planning for the final later this year.

The 20-year-old, who is on the NVQ Level 3 advanced apprenticeship in site carpentry and works at DCS Carpentry, was nominated to enter the competition by his tutors.

Louis said: “The competition was tough so it was quite a challenge. I was shocked to win – I couldn’t quite believe it when my name was called out. I’m really looking forward to the national final in November.”

The CITB SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the country.