The search for Britain’s leading craft skills champions is open for applications, with the launch of the first annual national Craft Skills Awards.

Entering the Awards offers individuals, companies, groups and organisations the opportunity for public recognition of the good work they are undertaking to sustain and develop craft skills.

In addition to the high level of media and sector interest that the Awards will generate on their behalf, winning an award will help winners to build on the success of current activity, gain public recognition and enhance potential for their future development.

In addition, financial awards of £2,500 in each category will enable winners to further enhance their good work in the future. Certificates will also be presented to all award winners.

Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony in late spring 2013. The Awards are supported by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales who is President of the Heritage Crafts Association.

The Craft Skills Awards have been developed by Creative & Cultural Skills, in partnership with the Crafts Council, the Heritage Crafts Association, the Prince’s Foundation for Building Community and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, to promote excellence in the teaching, learning, development and promotion of craft skills in the UK.

Find out more about the awards and the criteria here.

Click here to apply online.

Closing date: entries must have been received by 12 noon on Friday 15 February 2013

If you are having any difficulties or have any queries, please email info@craftskillsawards.org.uk