PARIS and Cumbria are joining forces, as a French journeyman joins a South Cumbrian firm.

Studying at a prestigious school, famed for its journeyman programme, Arthur-Alexis Martin will be joining Ulverston's Chris Brammall to learn more about his craft.

Arthur, a 27-year-old who has been studying at the famous Les Compagnons Du Devoir and joined Chris in February, said that it is a 'great honour' to get the opportunity to work for Chris Brammall Ltd.

"My grandfather was a Farrier and from the age of sixteen I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps and pursue my passion to work with metal," Mr Martin said. "It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to work alongside Chris who is recognised for his talents and the quality of his work.”

Chris Brammall is renowned for his sculptural and architectural metalwork in the UK and the company has produced bespoke pieces for more than 20 years.

The school that Mr Martin studies at is well known for offering students the chance to work abroad, allowing them to experience new cultures and different ways of working.

Chris is delighted to offer journeymen the chance to work with them and to help develop their craft.

Arthur will be with the team until the end of July, and has already been working with Chris on numerous projects at the forge, including hand-held visors for Claife Station on the shores of Windermere and hand-forged balustrades for a private residence in Cumbria.

"Arthur shares my passion for the trade as an art form and works to extremely high standards," Mr Brammall said. "He also brings with him a very credible portfolio and we are delighted to have him on board.”

Established in 1994, the company have grown from a small rural blacksmithing shop in the Lake District National Park to a fully-fledged limited company employing twenty people.

The company operates from a purpose built studio and workshop at Low Mill Business Park, Ulverston.