Stoke Newington boy narrowly misses out on dream job as Lego model maker

It would be the dream job for many children – but schoolboy Spike Richards came within touching distance of making it as a Lego model maker.

The 12-year-old was one of six budding designers shortlisted from hundreds of applicants for the position at LEGOLAND, Windsor.

The student at Stoke Newington Secondary School, Clissold Road, wowed judges with his model of a squirrel and was invited to the park earlier this month for an interview and tour of the studios, before a building workshop.

Although he just missed out on the top spot, Spike was delighted to have made it so far in the competition.

He said: “When I entered I didn’t think I would be shortlisted, I feel very special at the moment and really happy that I have been selected.”

His mother Melanie Richards, with whom he lives in Stoke Newington, said: “I’m really proud of him. He’s really creative and this was a very good opportunity.”

LEGOLAND model maker Giorgio Pastero, who was head of the judging panel, said: “The standard of entry was extremely high so it was a difficult task to get down to a short list of just six. These guys are obviously passionate about model making and demonstrated some excellent building skills.

I was particularly taken with Spike’s entry because it’s very detailed. I can just picture it on the park, it would fit in very well”.