A GOLD medal winner is urging other youngsters to sign up to the skills competition which saw him crowned best in the UK.

Dan James, from Southminster, couldn't believe it when he secured top spot in the Fine Jewellery Making competition at the WorldSkills UK National Finals.

The 18-year-old said: "Taking part in the competition was one of the best things I have ever done.

"I had no idea this time last year that I would be a national champion or what taking part would really involve.

READ MORE: Young Essex jeweller wins top spot in WorldSkills UK finals

"I couldn’t believe it when Steph McGovern read my name out and I realised I was a gold medal winner.

"Even now I’m still pretty shell-shocked about the whole experience, let alone winning anything."

Registration for this year's competitions has opened and runs until Friday, April 1.

Students and apprentices can compete in 63 different skill disciplines where they will compete against their peers from across the UK.

Dan added: "I would definitely recommend signing up. You get so much experience, meet so many brilliant people and the support I had from my training manager throughout the competition was just incredible."

Competitors also have the possibility of competing at the International Skills Olympics in France in 2024.