It's a glossy finish for one painting and decorating apprentice as she's made it through to the final of the prestigious World Skills competition.

Megan Talbot, 20, from Rawtenstall, is in the final eight of the painting and decorating competition, and will head to the NEC in Birmingham in November to test her skills over the course of a gruelling three days.

The Level three Accrington and Rossendale College painting and decorating apprentice secured her place in the final after the completion of 15 regional heats, where approximately 20 students or apprentices competed against one another.

And the former Alder Grange School student, said: "I’m very excited to be in the final.

"I’ve taken part in a number of other competitions before, and I have done well in them, but I think this a much higher level and my skills will be pushed to the limit.

"I’m waiting on sign off to finish my apprenticeship now, and I’ll be continuing with my employer Gladwin’s Decorators going forward.

"However, I will be returning to college two nights a week to work on my techniques and to prepare for the competition final under the watchful eye of my tutors.

"I’ve had a brilliant experience at Accrington and Rossendale College, and I’m so grateful for the support, guidance and knowledge that I have received from my tutors Phil and Simon who have really helped me to develop my skills."

All aspects of Miss Talbot's painting and decorating abilities will be tested in the final, including setting out, wallpaper hanging, paint application and cutting in, stencil manufacture and application, and sign writing.

Simon Whitaker, Painting and Decorating Lecturer at Accrington and Rossendale College, said: "Megan has had an incredible journey here at college.

"Her passion to succeed has driven to her to the highest level of attainment and she has not looked back since beginning on the Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship route.

"She really shone in the regional stage and we’re incredibly proud of her achievements."