Paul Giordmaina shared the winning prize with Mary Louise Bajada (in absentia) of the fifth edition of the lace competition organised by Casa Rocca Piccola of Valletta and supported by HSBC Malta Foundation .

Mr Giordmaina submitted a tablecloth which took him four months to complete, at an average of 10 hours of work daily.

Around 54 lace-makers from Malta and Gozo took part in the competition. Some 100 authentic pieces were submitted, ranging from decorative items, to silk stoles and shawls, ecclesias-tical items, christening gowns and fans, all worked with very fine thread.

Works were judged according to originality in design, technical skill, presentation, magnitude of the undertaking and quality of the item produced.

Two children, Maronia Mamo and Carmen Sammut, were also rewarded for their effort and dedication.

The competition is coordinated annually by Nicholas de Piro and Margaret Farrugia with the aim of keeping this part of Malta’s historical and cultural heritage alive and thriving for future generations.