A KEEN carpenter has fought off the competition to secure a place on a prestigious apprentice course.

Callum Morrison, of Elmfield Way, Sanderstead, has been chosen to join 11 others in the Prince of Wales' Building Craft Apprenticeship Programme after impressing an interview panel.

The 21-year-old, who will gain an NVQ Level 3 in Heritage if he completes the course, will learn ancient crafts, including stained glass work, how to thatch roofs and dry stone walling.

He has now begun working on heritage buildings, including the £31.75 million refurbishment of the Victoria & Albert Museum's medieval and renaissance galleries, and several listed buildings in central London.

He said: "I'm really interested in old methods and it's a really rare opportunity to learn these different styles.

"My grandad, some uncles and some cousins are carpenters, so I guess it runs in our family.

"I loved woodwork at school and my family encouraged me to carry it on."

Callum applied for the apprenticeship last year after his teacher at East Surrey College suggested he would be suitable.

"I saw they were interviewing lots of people for the apprenticeship and I realised there was stiff competition," he added.

"But when I really want something, I don't let nerves get in the way."