College to lend a hand with Shropshire episode of DIY SOS

This week, Nick Knowles and the crew will be descending on Shropshire to film an episode for its seventh series. Although producers of the show put a call out earlier in the year for local trade companies to take part in the episode, Painting & Decorating tutor, Barry Mason, had already been approached by the show and was asked specifically to take part.

Having appeared on DIY SOS - working alongside Nick and his team numerous times before, including the veteran special last year, which featured Prince William and Prince Harry - Barry has come to know the producers and crew very well.

He said: “It’s always a great experience being part of the DIY SOS team, for myself and for the students! Whenever we can, we always try and encourage our students to take part in projects outside of the College.

“When I heard there was going to be a Shropshire episode of the Big Build, immediately I wanted our students to get involved. Eight of our Level 1 and 2 students will be helping out during the course of the week and giving up their weekend and half term holiday to take part.”

Shrewsbury-based, family-owned paint and wallcovering specialist, Bromborough Paints is also donating tools and equipment for the College to use during filming.

The firm contacted Barry after learning of the College’s involvement with the show, wanting to help the cause in any way it could.

Sales Assistant at Bromborough, Dominic Wotton, said: “We are more than happy to support our local college and the Big Build in Shropshire. We’ve met with Barry and supplied him and the students with rollers, sleeves, trays and overalls. We look forward to seeing how the build turns out on the show.”

Barry added: “Now that we’ve got all of the tools and equipment we need, we are feeling prepared for our first day on Thursday.”

The show’s airing date has yet to be announced.