Stained glass worker 'honoured' to be up for award

Toby Britton-Watts has helped to restore stained glass Charter Window at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London

An apprentice stained glass maker has said it was a "real honour" to be shortlisted for a national award in the centuries-old craft.

Toby Britton-Watts, 26, who works for Holy Well Glass in Wells, Somerset has restored stained glass at several buildings including Windsor Castle, King's College Cambridge and St Bartholomew's Hospital in London.

He said it was a "huge shock" to be nominated for the Heritage Crafts Trainee of the Year Award, which recognises skill in preserving the UK's oldest traditional crafts.

"I didn't know such an award existed, but it means a huge amount," he added.

Mr Britton-Watts is undertaking a Level 4 Stained Glass Craftsperson Apprenticeship at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David campus.

He was nominated for the award by his mentor, and is one of only three people across the UK to make the final.

"[The award] celebrates trainees in the field of heritage crafts, which can involve anything from blacksmithing, stonemasonry to stained glass," he told BBC Radio Somerset.

"The craft has survived hundreds of years but isn't done by many people," Mr Britton-Watts added.

"Only a few UK companies do it but there's plenty of work in conservation and restoration.

"It's a huge honour to be nominated, let alone shortlisted for the final".

Mr Britton-Watts is training for his apprenticeship at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Jack Clare, Director at Holy Well Glass, said the company was "delighted" that Mr Britton-Watts had been recognised for his work.

"His work exemplifies the passion and precision needed to ensure that traditional stained glass conservation continues to flourish," said Mr Clare.

The awards are being held at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham on 17 November.