The winner of Chadwicks Group first ever forklift skills competition, Tour de Forks, has been announced.

James Kearns from Chadwicks Coolock won the maiden event, organised by Ireland's leading builders' merchants, which entailed a series of diverse challenges that puts the skills of forklift operators who work at Chadwicks, The Panelling Centre and Cork Builders Providers to the test.

With 395 licensed forklift operators across Chadwicks Group and many colleagues trained to operate three different types of forklift vehicles, Tour de Forks was created to demonstrate the importance of health and safety in the business.

To be in with a chance to compete as one of the chosen contestants, forklift drivers across the business were invited to submit a short video demonstrating their skills and were selected by a panel of judges based on applicants adhering to a specific set of criteria. 

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A total of 16 male and female competitors took part in the event at Chadwicks East Wall Road on Friday, which saw James collect €500 for his efforts, while runner-up Gordon Parker from Chadwicks Monaghan received a prize of €250.

The competition's course began with a pallet pick-up and a roadway featuring a challenging corner turn. 

The contestants then had to remove a pallet from a truck, negotiate a roundabout and accurately place it onto the racking, then reverse the procedure and bring it back to the truck, all while the time clock was ticking. 

To finish the course, they needed to complete a series of zig-zag routes, which included collecting and dropping off a pallet full of footballs.

Before they reached the finishing line, the competitors picked up planks with footballs and tees, and carefully weaved through the cones once more, replacing the plank in its original position.

Any lost load or hitting of obstacles, among other broken rules, incurred a time penalty.

Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group, said: "We are excited to announce the winner of our first ever Tour de Forks competition and come together to recognise the skills of forklift drivers across our businesses.

"It was not only an impressive showcase of talent, but the competition also served as a reminder of how vital each of our 395 forklift operators are to us and was above all, a lot of fun.

"We all witnessed unique scenes of forklifting triumph and it was an event that we won't forget."

To learn more about Chadwicks Group Tour de Forks competition, visit @chadwicks_ie on Instagram.