Christopher Peile (21) works for Owen H James Custom Flooring in Gilford, which specialises in intricate parquetry designs and the company's work can be found in Queen's University in Belfast, the Royal Victoria Hospital and Parliament Buildings in Stormont.

Christopher, who has been working in the wooden floor industry for the past 18 months, impressed his employer so much with his flooring skills, that he was entered into the major European competition.

Out of the many competition entrants, he was then flown out to Salzburg, Austria for a three-day competition which involved contestants laying a parquet floor within a set time-limit, while being closely monitored and scored by nine judges.

Mr Roger Southee, chairman of the British Wood Flooring Association, who accompanied the young Portadown apprentice on the trip, said, "Christopher was placed in a thoroughly credible halfway position of young and experienced floor laying contestants, most of whom had attended three-year vocational college courses.

"Throughout the competition he conducted himself in a calm and thoroughly professional manner and was only one of two contestants to be awarded the prestigious Olympian Spirit of Achievement.

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"Christopher has demonstrated that he has a bright future in an industry that offers rewarding prospects to apprentices who have enthusiasm and ability to learn the craft."

Owen James, Christopher's employer, said he was very proud that Christopher had made it to the finals. "He has another year and half working with me and at the end of his apprenticeship, I will encourage him to take his talents abroad for a while, where I am sure he will do well.

"It has been a pleasure to teach him my craft and I wish him every success in the future."