An apprentice has reached the grand final of a competition and stands a chance of winning a £10,000 prize.

Jessica Middleton from Borehamwood will battle it against nine fellow finalists at the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2018.

Ms Middleton, who is studying a plumbing and domestic heating apprenticeship at Uxbridge College, has already fought off competition from more than 1,200 entrants and will find out later this month if she has won the title.

The 23-year-old has impressed judges with her enthusiasm for the trade, an innovative approach to learning, and displaying key skills.

At the final, which will be held at Google Headquarters in London, Ms Middleton will compete in a group task as well as a one-on-one interview in front of a panel of judges including representatives from Screwfix and Google.

The winner will walk away with a business and trade bundle worth £10,000.

Ms Middleton said: “I’m over the moon to be a Screwfix Trade Apprentice finalist. It’s a great platform to launch my career and to get this far is unbelievable. I am very passionate about my trade and it’s fantastic to be a part of a national competition that celebrates apprentices.

"The prize would be the perfect start to my career and would mean I have the tools, technology and funds to support extra learning."