In defiance of the beleaguered construction sector, competition got underway this week for the 23rd World Championship of Young Roofers in Belfast.

Even Russian apprentices were among those to travel to a rain-lashed Belfast for the event, hosted by the UK's National Federation of Roofing Contractors at the King's Hall, with 23 two-man teams from 12 countries competing over two days for the distinguished title of World Champion in three different roofing disciplines, pitched, waterproofing and metal.

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Competitors will also complete a voluntary task to compete for the prestigious President's Prize in the three disciplines.

Local roofing contractor and current President for the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD), Gordon Penrose officially opened the International Roofing competition and is hoping that local competitor Martyn McAllister, from Carrickfergus (both pictured) who is part of the GB team, will achieve success and shine the spotlight on Northern Ireland's roofing industry.

This week's event is open - free - to the general public and in particular to young people interested in the roofing trade, roofing employers and contractors between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

Over the three days up to Friday, (19th), leading roofing industry specialists from around the world will also feature the very latest roofing materials and products, including an exhibition of four 'Roofs of the Future'.

(BMcC/GK)