Lucy Wholmes, 21, who works for Painted Ladies Ltd interior decorators, received her prize at an awards ceremony this month.

Lucy, of Tree View, Stowmarket, said: "It was amazing to win, I just couldn't believe it.

"It was quite a shock but a nice one."

Lucy has worked with the women-only firm for the past two years, studying for an NVQ apprenticeship level 2 in painting and decorating at West Suffolk College, in Bury St Edmunds.

Now in the final stages of her course, Lucy enjoys her work as much as ever.

She said: "The team here are very special, it is really nice to work with the girls.

"I have always been interested in decorating and love seeing rooms change."

Vanessa Westland, founder of Painted Ladies Ltd, nominated Lucy for her work and is thrilled she made the cut.

She said: "We are extremely proud of Lucy's achievements and she thoroughly deserved to win.

"She shows enthusiasm and maturity and impresses a lot of people."

For more details about the firm, which is looking to recruit new staff, visit www.paintedladies.co.uk or call 01284 724801.

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