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The skills of upholsterers from across the country have been highlighted with awards presented by Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing.

Dame Eleanor was invited to present certificates and other awards at the Upholstery Skills Centre based in Stapleford Abbotts.

Saturday's presentations celebrated the work of students who undergo training at the centre, which was established six years ago after it was recognised that there was a gap in training the next generation of upholsterers, recognising and awarding the Diploma Qualification to students and marking their achievements over the past year. 

The Upholstery Skills Centre became an Approved Training Centre - the only one in Essex and the East of England - for the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers and has been delivering the industry recognised Diploma Qualification courses for the last five years.

The centre also teaches people who want to learn upholstery as a hobby.

Dame Eleanor said: "I was delighted to be invited to present the certificates and to see a selection of the work that the students have completed over the past year.

"The standard of design and handiwork of the students was absolutely amazing and I would like to again congratulate all the students and their tutors for all that has been achieved over the past 12 months.

"The Upholstery Skills Centre does such an incredible job in training people in the fine skills of upholstery.

"Some of the students have been learning the art having decided to make a change of career.

"Their attention to detail is amazing, and they have all come up with superb pieces of work which have taken them hours and hours to complete."