Local apprentice Paul Blakeman has been named by Sandwell Homes as the organisation's Achiever of the Year for 2008.

Paul, who lives in Smethwick, works for Birmingham-based Lovell. Woodgate Valley-based Lovell is one of the construction partners working on Sandwell Homes' £80 million housing improvement scheme.

Paul, 19, received the award for his talent, enthusiasm and success in learning new skills.

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"It was a brilliant surprise when I found out I'd won," said Paul. "Everyone at Lovell has been very supportive and I have gained some really valuable experience through working on the Sandwell Homes scheme."

Simon Parry, Head of partnership management for Sandwell Homes, said: "I would like to congratulate Paul on becoming the Achiever of the Year. It is testament to his hard work and illustrates the level of commitment being shown by employees and our partners throughout the delivery of the Decent Homes programme."

Paul, a carpentry apprentice, worked on the refurbishment of Neale and McCauley House, West Bromwich, for Sandwell Homes.

(CD/JM)