A BERE Alston apprentice mechanic has beaten off competition from 7,000 others to be declared among the best in the country.

Sam Burnett, 20, from H & A Sleep, made it to the top three of the Institute of the Motor Industry's outstanding achievers awards.

He was pipped to the post for the top honour but was delighted about his achievement in the technical apprentice of the year awards.

And his success is all the sweeter as at aged just 14 his chances of finding a career looked slim.

He found school difficult, not enjoying conventional lessons. So teachers at Tavistock College got in touch with H & A Sleep and City College Plymouth and designed a programme for him that would enable him to follow a vocational course rather than traditional schooling.

Going to City College once a week, Sleep's Garage one day a week and school three days a week led Sam into an apprenticeship.

Sam said it was 'brilliant' to reach the top three: 'It has taken a lot of hard work. I didn't get on with school too much, I preferred going out and working. It's coming to the end of my apprenticeship and I've really enjoyed it. I'm hoping to do more training after my apprenticeship and try to get as qualified as I can.'

Rob Sleep, Sam's employer, said: 'Sam is an excellent role model for other young people who don't find school easy. He's shown what can be achieved and is turning into a really good mechanic.'

The apprentice's tutor at City College Plymouth, Tony Woodward, nominated him for the award. He accompanied Sam and his mother to the ceremony last week with Mr Sleep.

Sam was presented with his award by Prince Michael of Kent.

He said: 'I am delighted to present these awards as they provide an opportunity to showcase the hard work, dedication and true passion that exists within the automotive sector today.  I would also like to offer my personal congratulations to individuals and training providers; you should all feel extremely proud of your outstanding achievements.'

Sam will finish his apprenticeship later this year and is keen to further develop his skills with more training.