WELL done Ian Browne, who crossed paintbrushes with the best and came out on top.

The young York decorator has won a leading award in a regional competition, and he could be forgiven for wishing to paint the town red. And while he's at it, he should find plenty of work, because with daily reports of rising house prices in York, there must be plenty of newly-bought homes needing a lick of paint.

Who knows, Ian may even one day have his own TV decorating show.

Updated: 12:15 Thursday, May 09, 2002