Three West Suffolk College students claim top spots in national Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers City of London Craft Competition

Three students from West Suffolk College have claimed the top spots in a national carpentry competition.

James Buckle, of Stowmarket, was crowned the winner, with Harry Wilcox and Luke Newton taking second and third place respectively in the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers City of London Craft Competition on Saturday.

The competition was held at the Built Environment campus in Bury St Edmunds – the first time it had been hosted outside the capital.

A total of 21 students from four colleges took part in the competition and each was given eight hours to build a small coffee table from scratch.

All participants received £25 for entering the competition, while £1,000 was awarded to the winner, £500 to second place and £100 to third.

Winner James works for Woodland Bespoke Joinery and completed his apprenticeship at West Suffolk College on the day of the competition.

The 19-year-old said: “I’ve been involved in competitions before and I managed my time well, having learned from previous experiences.

“I was very pleased and surprised to win. I’m delighted. My colleagues were really impressed.

“I’m going to spend the money on tools to help me in the future. The win is great for my career, a fantastic addition to my CV, and a real confidence boost.”

James' lecturer, Brian Turnbridge, added that he felt incredibly proud when the winners were announced.

The competition was sponsored by Taylor Made Joinery Festool.