Cheshire's best young trade talent took centre stage as the Freemen and Guilds of the city of Chester honoured the next generation of skilled professionals.

Recent awards hosted by the Guilds celebrated the talent of local students at Cheshire College - South & West, marking nearly six decades of collaboration between the two institutions.

Spanning 58 years, the partnership continues to recognise student achievements across disciplines including construction, motor vehicle, hospitality, creative arts, and applied science.

Established in the 12th century to uphold standards of craftsmanship and apprentice development, the Freemen and Guilds maintain this tradition today by supporting emerging talent.

The awards aim to celebrate young talent in trades, ensuring the preservation and future success of essential crafts.

"Skilled craftsmanship continues to play an important role across many industries and we are proud to see our students developing the expertise and passion needed to carry these skills forward," said Helen Nellist, deputy principal and deputy CEO of Cheshire College.

"Our long-standing partnership with the Freemen and Guilds of the City of Chester reflects a shared commitment to celebrating skills, supporting young talent and recognising the achievements of our students through these special awards."

President of the Freemen and Guilds of the City of Chester, Dorothy Trussell, added: "The Freemen and Guilds have a proud history of supporting craftsmanship and skilled trades, and it is wonderful to see that tradition continue through these awards.

"Recognising these students helps highlight the importance of these skills and ensures they continue to be passed on to future generations."

Students were recognised across a range of categories, including the Ancient and Worshipful Company of Bricklayers Award, the Saddlers and Curriers Award, the Painters, Glaziers, Embroiderers and Stationers Award, and the Weavers Award.

Among this year's recipients was Navy, who received the Weavers' Award while studying Level 3 Art and Design at the College's Chester Campus.

She said: "I'm really flattered to have won an award. I wasn't expecting it, so it's really lovely to know that my teachers put me forward for it.

"There's so much diversity at college and lots of different opportunities. It has been really eye-opening to see what you can do here.

"You can come in with the craziest ideas and the tutors will help you make them happen.

"They're always willing to support you, help you figure things out and get you where you want to be."

The full list of 2026 award winners:

• Billy McCone – Ancient and Worshipful Company of Bricklayers Award
• Liam Smitheman – Joiners and Carvers Company Award
• Dylan Lee – Smiths, Cutlers and Plumbers Award
• Ho Chung Hermes Chiang – Bakers Award
• Natasha Mealor – Barber Surgeons, Wax and Tallow Chandlers Co Award
• Josh Wiffin – Butchers Award
• Oliver Edwards – Cappers, Pinners, Wiredrawers & Linendrapers Award
• Anastasia Preston – Clothworkers, Walkers and Masons Company Award
• Jack Ryan – Coopers Company Award
• Sophie Wall – Innholders, Cooks and Victuallers Company Award
• Muqads Ghyiass – Mercers, Ironmongers, Grocers and Apothecaries – Pharmacy Award (Science)
• Nadia Apalewicz – Painters, Glaziers, Embroiderers and Stationers Award
• Jack Jones – Saddlers and Curriers Award
• Tristan Young – Mercers, Ironmongers, Grocers and Apothecaries Award – Ironmongers Award (Engineering)
• Navy Barrigan-Cross – Weavers Award
• Callum Maciver – 14–16 Pre-Apprentice Award for Outstanding Achievement

For more information about Cheshire College – South & West, visit www.ccsw.ac.uk.