AN OSWESTRY student in cyber security has come second in a national competition celebrating vocational skills, representing Wrexham's Glyndwr University.

Cyber Security student Jake Sumner, from Oswestry, said he was delighted to achieve second in his category, taking home the silver medal in the prestigious WorldSkills UK competition.

Jake said he never expected to do so well on a local level, but admitted he was very proud to achieve a second place.

He said: “I never expected to get beyond the regional heat, so to come second in the UK final was completely unexpected.

"The competition was challenging, as it tested your ability across a variety of areas.

“Although it was challenging, it was a great experience and it gave me something to focus on, as well as a sense of achievement for participating.

“I’m extremely grateful for all the support I’ve had during the competition and if it wasn’t for former lecturer, Leanne Davies, I wouldn’t have even thought about entering the competition.

“Throughout the competition I’ve gained new skills and explored areas that I wouldn’t have had the confidence to explore if I hadn’t competed.

“I will continue working on developing the skills I’ve gained and I’m looking forward to seeing what opportunities arise from competing in the WorldSkills UK Final.”

He was joined by fellow student Paige Tynan, from Wrexham, who won gold for her forensic science category, despite being told she would fail science at school.

Paige, who graduated from the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year programme, is currently undertaking a PhD at Glyndwr.

She said: “From being told at school I’d fail my science exams to winning the gold medal in Forensic Science at the Worldskills UK final is just incomprehensible.

“I am really grateful for my Forensic Science lecturer who helped me prepare for this moment. I am really excited to see what opportunities competing in the Worldskills final has opened up.”

For more information about Wrexham Glyndwr University, visit https://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/en/