Luke Hutchings has been named winner of the South West heat of Dulux Decorator Centre's Apprentice of the Year competition.

The budding painter and decorator fought off stiff competition from ten other apprentices in the heat, which was held at City Plymouth College on 23rd March. Luke, aged 24, successfully completed a practical work piece, which included elements of wallpapering, stencilling, waterborne glosses and special effects all within a set time.

Luke, who is currently completing his apprenticeship at Exeter College, commented: “I am over the moon to have finished first. The competition was a real challenge for us all but one that I enjoyed immensely. I'm sure the final will be just as demanding. I can't wait!”

The finals are taking place at Accrington and Rossendale College on 13th and 14th June and Luke will be competing against seven other regional winners and the highest runner up to be named the 2012 Dulux Decorator Centre's Apprentice of the Year.

Luke's College lecturer, Stephen Elwell, also commented: “It is fantastic that Luke has got through to the final, as this is an extremely professional competition and recognises that painting and decorating apprentices need continuous support, especially in the current climate. I would urge all colleges to put forward their star apprentices next year, as it really does provide them with a platform to showcase their work and talent.”

At the final, Luke will have to complete a further set of practical demonstrations, which will test his painting and decorating abilities. The final will then be followed by a presentation evening in Accrington where the winners and runners up will be announced.

Beverley Whitehead, marketing communications manager at Dulux Decorator Centres – the UK's leading painting and decorating specialist, said: “The competition is now in its fifth year and the quality of the apprentice's skills get higher each year. We've had a record number of entrants this year so all those through to the regional heats should be very proud of themselves, with the talent on display here the future of the industry looks very bright!

“Luke did a fantastic job in the south west heat and we wish him all the best in the final.”

For winning the heat, Luke collected £100 worth of Dulux Decorator Centres vouchers, received a certificate and a goody bag full of decorating materials donated by the company's suppliers. The final will see the seven regional heat winners and highest runner up competing for the coveted title 2012 Dulux Decorator Centres Apprentice of the Year which will also include winning £1,000 cash and a variety of other prizes donated from suppliers as well as a host of prizes for their college for all painting and decorating students to use.