A THATCHER from Cadley has just picked up a top prize for his thatched cottage in London Road, Marlborough.

Stuart Jones, 41, was presented with the prize for his work on the thatched cottage in London Road, Marlborough, at a meeting of master thatchers last week.

Mr Jones, who lives with his wife Michelle, grew up in Burbage, and later moved to Pewsey.

Mr Jones said: “I am chuffed with the result. The cottages are judged by their quality and the aesthetics, it is a very tough competition. It is quite a long roof but I was told that it was perfect.”

Over the past 20 years, Mr Jones has worked his way up through the industry and says he would never look back.

“I wanted to be a jockey originally but I think I got a bit too heavy for that, the opportunity to start an apprenticeship came up so I decided to take it on. I love my work and I wouldn’t want to do anything else. What I do is try and make something special and give it as much character as possible. I work for myself,” added Mr Jones.

Although this is the first year that Mr Jones had won the top prize, it wasn’t the first time he has entered one of his cottages to the competition.

Mr Jones said: “This is the first time I have won, I enter every year. My plan is to keep the same standard of work and continue to offer my services. I am very certain there is a market for good quality thatching.”

Mr Jones joined the Master Thatchers at the half-way point of his career, attending meetings in Whitney on a regular basis.

“It was very difficult to join, they always have very high standards. I have been part of that for 12 years now, I first approached them once I thought my work was getting to the correct standard. Travelling for the meetings is worth it, it is a little far but it is a very good association.” he added.