Maria's brush with success

A TALENTED apprentice is painting the town red after being shortlisted for the UK's tradesperson of the year.

Maria Dowling, 20, is one of a dozen Scottish trainees to earn a berth in the UK final of SkillBuild 2010, Britain's biggest construction skills competition.

The Edinburgh contender will compete in the painting and decorating category against 11 other trainees who have already won regional heats.

In total, 95 apprentices will battle it out to be crowned as the best in their trade at the grand final which takes place from September 8-10 in Wales.