WEST SUSSEX: Competitive trades people poured into Covers of Chichester and Bognor Regis last month to compete in the local heat of the Irwin Challenge with one thing on their mind – winning the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

To get their hands on this super car, they had to take part in the task which involved accurately cutting a piece of wood, marking out, drilling, and then making sure the holes fit over two metal rods.

Whoever could do this in the quickest time possible, qualified for the national finals. The fastest on the day was local carpenter, Seb Griffin, who beat over 50 other contestants by finishing the challenge in very good time of 51.03 seconds. Mr Griffin, who has his own carpentry company now faces the winners from all of the other heats which is taking place around the UK.

The final which is to be held in Birmingham later this year is where Mr Griffin has the chance of winning the amazing car. As a reward for his achievements on the day, he was presented with a bagful of Irwin goodies, which included a Power drill.

Mr Griffin, who is regular customer of Covers and has been using Irwin tools for some time said: “I just want to thank Irwin and Covers for hosting the competition.”

Ben Gale marketing co-ordinator of Covers said: “Everyone at Covers would just like to wish Seb good luck and we hope to see him back here soon in the Aston Martin!”