A tutor at Lakes College, Lillyhall, is preparing to head to Abu Dhabi to direct a trainee welder in an international competition.

Clive Bell, of Distington, will make the trip with Josh Peek, the UK’s competitor in the WorldSkills contest.

The competition will take place between October 14 and 19.

Lakes College has opened its doors to Josh, who won gold in the EuroSkills competition, to train for the international bout.

Clive is the UK WorldSkills welding expert and has been training with Josh since 2015.

Josh, 20, who is a welder fabricator in Norwich, said: “It’s great coming up to Cumbria to train with Clive. I’ve learned so much from Clive and his passion for welding is unparalleled.

“Lakes College is based in such a beautiful part of the country and the facilities are first class.”

Clive said: “I’m a very proud man. I love knowing I am passing on my skills and years in the industry to a new generation of welders.

“The competition is tough but Josh is an exceptional welder and I know he has the qualities to make a world champion.”

Lakes College principal Chris Nattress said: “It’s a privilege and a pleasure to have our Lakes College colleague and WorldSkills Welding UK expert Clive Bell supporting national champion Josh in the world finals in Adu Dhabi.

“We have exceptional, world-class welding facilities at Lakes and, in Clive, a passionate, highly-skilled welding expert.

“Clive has been training Lakes welders to win gold, silver and bronze in the nationals, so Josh is in extremely good hands.

“We look forward to him bringing home a medal.”