An apprentice has decided to make the build-up to Christmas more adventurous with a special twist for himself and staff at a commercial joinery company.

Steven White, an apprentice bench joiner from Borehamwood, had the idea of making a bespoke advent house out of recycled timber for the staff at Hannaford, a commercial fit-out specialist company based in Frogmore, London.

Mr White turned his hand to the project, often staying late to finish, ready for December.

He is currently working towards a Level 3 NVQ in bench joinery, at the Building Crafts College in Stratford.

Mr White said: “I have really enjoyed this project as it includes a number of different techniques, so it’s been great for developing my skills as well as being something the whole team can enjoy.”

Hannaford was one of the first certified members of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a non-government organisation.

The company deals with ensuring there is a sustainable balance of tree planting and timber usage for future generations.

Hannaford’s finance director, Richard Williams, said: “Steven’s creation is a fantastic alternative to the ‘Secret Santa’ that many businesses do each Christmas.”

“We think it is also a novel way of highlighting the importance and benefits of sustainability and responsible forestry, which we are passionate about.”

Hannaford specifies timber acquired from sources accredited by FSC to minimise the impact of its business on the environment.