A LEADING painting contractor from Runcorn has landed a national title for the third time.

Ambrose Ellis Painting Contractors, based on Percival Lane, was crowned as the Commercial Category winner at the 30th Premier Trophy Awards, hosted by the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).

The accolade was presented to the company at the annual luncheon in London, on July 5, to recognise the comprehensive work they carried out at Neston High School for the main contractor Morgan Sindall.

The new build academy, in Neston, Cheshire, underwent extensive decoration work, including corridors, classrooms, offices and halls using Dulux trade products.

Geoff May, a member of the judging panel, said: "Ambrose Ellis Painting Contractors had to adjust labour requirements to comply with the main contractor’s evolving programme.

“Considering the tight time scales, the standard of finish was to an extremely high standard.”

Mike Ambrose, company director, collected the accolade at the prestigious event, which brings together industry professionals from all over the country to celebrate high standards of craftsmanship.

He said: “Winning the award for the third time is a major endorsement for us and reflects the high-quality work that we carry out.

“We are very proud to have won it again.”

Neil Ogilvie, chief executive of the PDA, said: “What impressed the judging panel the most with this entry was that Mike and his team were able to overcome major organisational obstacles.

“The client was extremely pleased with the finished result, making Ambrose Ellis Painting Contractors the worthy winner of the Commercial Category.”

Crown Paints was the main sponsor of this year’s Premier Trophy Awards, with CITB, Purdy, Brewers, Dulux Trade, Wagner and Toupret supporting the event alongside Johnstone’s Paints, Axus Decor, Graco, Barrettine, Owatrol, B&CE and Maker Industrial.