A FURNITURE maker from Upton-upon-Severn has received one of his trade's highest accolades.

Peter Sefton, owner of the Peter Sefton Furniture School in Welland Road, has been admitted as a Liveryman to the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers and given the Freedom of the City of London in a ceremony in Furniture Makers’ Hall.

He said: "It is a great honor to be invited to become a Liveryman and I am immensely proud. I have worked in the industry for more than 28 years, with the past 17 years dedicated to teaching and mentoring aspiring furniture makers. My appointment as a Liveryman is the highest recognition possible for my work and I am looking forward to the opportunities this position will afford in being able to support the next generation of skilled furniture makers and ensure the craft continues to be valued at all levels.”

Mr Sefton, already a master craftsman, was joined by his wife and business partner Sarah Sefton at the ceremony, which was followed by a Charter Dinner at Drapers’ Hall to celebrate the second anniversary of the granting of the Royal Charter to the Company in 2013.

The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers aims to ‘support the highest standards of design, manufacturing, marketing and retailing of every type of furniture throughout the United Kingdom. Being asked to become a Liveryman is highly prestigious as the Company is only able to have 300 Liverymen at a time. Membership is restricted to individuals employed, or formerly employed, in the furniture industry to ensure they make a valid contribution to the Company.

Mr Sefton's career to date has included extensive periods spent both as a designer/maker and teacher/mentor. He is well-known in the world of furniture making and regularly has articles published in trade journals.