SWAN View resident Pete King has secured the top prize for his leatherworking skills at this year’s Perth Royal Show.

King, 77, won best exhibit in the leatherwork category, taking first place in the braided or plated articles class, receiving both a ribbon and a certificate for his work.

The process of creating the winning piece included stitching and braiding leather together to create intricate patterns. The winning piece was a designed and crafted leather ID holder.

Originally from Caraban Farm near Gingin, Mr King’s work is characterised by its detail and quality. He credits his success to an old, retired drover who taught him the three-strand braid at just four years old.

“He taught me the first three braids… and from then on I just picked it up over the years,” he said.

“It took about a week of work leading up to the show to create the winning piece, and I managed to finish it two nights before the show.”

Mr King’s awards are not confined to his workshop, however, as he is a multi-category winner at the annual event. He has previously earned multiple first-place ribbons for his homemade chutneys, jams, and relishes, as well as the family’s well-regarded pickled onion recipe.

This year, he earned third place for his gold BBQ sauce and a highly commended ribbon for his sweet chilli and lemongrass jam.

The victory is particularly significant as it follows a period of major personal challenges for him, having recently undergone a serious operation for cancer treatment.

Mr King is currently in a five-year monitoring period following his surgery, and credits his Royal Show win to the medical team that assisted him in his time of need.

“I want to thank all those who were involved in my operation,” he said.

“I owe it all to the radiation clinic, the medical team, and the nurses.”

Despite the medical setback, Mr King continues to pour his energy and commitment into producing award-winning leather pieces.