A YOUNG furniture maker from Birtsmorton, near Malvern had won a top national award after only one year in the industry.

Twenty-years-old Sam Carter, a former student at the Upton-upon-Severn based Peter Sefton Furniture Making School, is one of three designer-makers to win the 2015 Alan Peters Award, which is designed to encourage and promote emerging young talent in the bespoke furniture industry.

He joined Peter Sefton at the age of 18 after completing his A levels at Hanley Castle High School. Rather than going on to university, Mr Carter decided to embark on a nine month intensive professional furniture making course where he designed and made his award-winning “Over Arching II” console table as his final piece.

Mr Sefton said: "The Alan Peters Award is open to all designer-makers up to the age of 30, so Sam is one of the youngest winners. He was up against many other makers who have spent possibly three years at college followed by three years at university. So it’s no mean achievement to gain this recognition at such an early stage in his career.”

Mr Carter was presented with his award at a special ceremony at the Celebration of Craftsmanship & Design in Cheltenham, judges describing his table as "a crisp piece for the connoisseur".

He was one of seven full-time students aged 18-70 to complete the 2013/14 Sefton furniture making course which is aimed at people who want to make bespoke wooden furniture to professional standards, either as a hobby or to develop a career as a professional furniture maker.

Peter Sefton added: "The other students from Sam’s year have all gone on to open their own workshops and one is now head designer at a high-end bespoke furniture company. We are particularly proud of Sam’s achievements as it just goes to show that there are all kinds of routes to a successful and fulfilling career, university is not always the best option for everyone.”

Mr Carter's award-winning table will be on show at the Celebration of Craftsmanship and Design Exhibition at the Thirlestaine Long Gallery, Bath Road, Cheltenham until Monday, August 31.

The Peter Sefton Furniture School offers a wide range of both short and longer courses that cater for people of all ages and abilities. The next professional nine month furniture making course begins on September 14. Ring 01684 591014 to find out more.