Blacksmith receives top award

02/11/2009

A blacksmith from East Grinstead, Sussex, who has supplied bespoke gates to the stars, has been named as one of the top in his profession.

Eric Lamprell, 58, scooped a silver medal from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths in recognition of his 40 years of service, the East Grinstead Courier and Observer reports.

In the course of his career, which began as a floor sweeper for the forge, he has made gates for Sir Elton John and received a bronze medal for his work in 1992.

"It's hard work, but it's not just me," Mr Lamprell told the paper.

"All the staff here help with the situation tremendously and if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have it. It's a real team effort."

It follows reports in the Market Rasen Mail that founder of Cold Hanworth Forge and Blacksmithing School Bob Oakes has been named Artisan Mentor of the Year by Country Living Magazine.