A PERSHORE college student fought off fierce competition from around 500 pupils to become the runner-up in this year's national Bahco Cool Tools Challenge.

Tarek Ball, aged 18, who is studying for a National Diploma in Horticulture, was presented with a personal toolbox worth £150 at a special presentation at this year's BBC Gardeners' World Live show.

Tarek and his fellow students were required to answer a range of questions on ergonomic tool design.

The student's knowledge and aptitude won his college a toolbox worth £250, full of horticultural related tools for use on their course.

The snowboard themed competition aims to tackle the construction industry shortages by encouraging and supporting students on courses that use hand tools on a regular basis.

The Pershore College garden at BBC Gardeners' World took on a Japanese theme this year. The garden, aptly named Japonica, was constructed by students on the horticultural course.

As part of his two-year course, Tarek also looks forward to designing his own Garden for The Chelsea Flower Show.