A CONONLEY cabinet maker is to test his skills against the best in the world.

Twenty-one-year-old John Lambert has been selected to represent the UK at the Worldskills Competition in Switzerland in June.

Mr Lambert is now in training as part of a 31-strong team that will take part in the four-day competition in St Gallen from June 19 to 22.

The WorldSkills Competition is held every two years.

Over four days of tough competition, the best of the world's young people fight for the title of world champion in 36 trades ranging from cookery, welding and stonemasonry to information technology, carpentry and computer-aided design.

Competitors face tasks designed to test their skills to the limit - and competition is fierce. They face 600 fellow competitors drawn from 35 countries.

The ultimate prize is gold, silver and bronze medals in their respective trades.

The competition aims to inspire young people, teachers and trainers to achieve world-class levels of competence in business, services and industry.

John will specifically compete in the skill build section.

The former South Craven school pupil told the Herald it was a great honour to be selected.

"We will be asked to make a piece of furniture. We will be tested on complex joints and other aspects that go into making furniture. It will be very difficult and a challenge," said Mr Lambert.

After leaving school, John went to Leeds College of Art and Design where he did a BTEC in Cabinet Making and Furniture Restoration.

Now fully qualified and working for Whitby-based cabinet makers Mark Asplin Whiteley Ltd, he is working towards becoming a master craftsman.

John is being supported in his training by UK Skills. It organises the non-technical aspects of the programme, for example, team building, diet, fitness and communication skills.

He and the rest of the team are also receiving backing from tool manufacturers Makita.

"We have been to their headquarters at Milton Keynes for training and the company has supplied tools for us to use," Mr Lambert added.

Mr Lambert's dad Kevin is glad his son went to college to get a vocational qualification and the work experience that goes with it.

"It was a real success for him," said Mr Lambert senior. "He has learned a lot and it has helped him develop more."