Two Oxfordshire woodworkers have been celebrated in a national awards scheme for the furniture industry.

The '60 for 60' campaign, launched to commemorate The Furniture Makers' Company’s sixtieth anniversary, recognises the top 60 biggest talents in the sector.

The awards cover a diversity of career opportunities within the sector, including product designers, operations directors, and logistics professionals.

Two among the winners were Daisy Brunsdon, a furniture designer-maker and tutor at Lula James, and Hattie Speed, a freelance designer-maker at This Girl Makes, both based in Oxford.

In the past year, Ms Brunsdon, aged 27, has redefined her business from a bespoke commissions site to a platform offering woodwork experiences, encouraging clients to get involved in the craft.

Using her teaching background, she has introduced woodworking workshops, where more than 50 students have attended, some of whom have gone on to pursue full-time studies in furniture making.

Ms Brunsdon said: "This award reflects my passion and commitment to advancing our industry with manufacturing technology, ensuring businesses can stay competitive and continue to grow.

"Thank you for this amazing award, and for acknowledging my contribution to this exciting and dynamic industry."

Hattie Speed, also 27, is an occupational therapy technical instructor who offers therapeutic woodwork sessions for patients undergoing neurological rehabilitation.

She helps furniture makers return to work and introduces non-makers to the joy of woodworking.

This work benefits patients wellbeing as they learn skills or find a new purpose following a stroke.

Judges from within the sector reviewed the contestants' submissions and announced the winners at an awards ceremony in the City of London on December 5.

For more details about the '60 for 60' national awards scheme, visit www.furnituremakers.org.uk/60for60.

Amanda Waring, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: "We received hundreds of entries for ’60 for 60’, ranging from wood working to carpet and textile design, showing not only the vibrancy and diversity of British talent, but also that the industry continues to offer exciting and rewarding career opportunities.

"We congratulate every one of our 60 outstanding winners and look forward to sharing our members’ mentoring skills and providing networking opportunities as they continue to develop their professional careers.

"While we have a long history of supporting the UK’s flourishing and world-renowned furniture and furnishings industry, and are celebrating 60 years since we were awarded livery status, we are very much a modern organisation and it is vital that we use our position to reward and recognise emerging talent in the sector."