A BERE Alston apprentice is hoping to take the honours at a national motor industry awards ceremony today (Thursday), hosted by Prince Michael of Kent.

Sam Burnett, 20, who is an apprentice at H and A Sleep garage in Bere Alston, has been nominated in two categories of the Institute of Motor Industry's Outstanding Achievers Awards.

Sam, who finishes his apprenticeship later this year, is up against young mechanics from all over the country and was put forward for the awards by his tutor, Tony Woodward, at City College, Plymouth.

He is nominated in the outstanding technical student category for light vehicles and young student of the year.

The awards are being held at IMI headquarters in Brickendon, Hertfordshire.

Sam began work at H and A Sleep before he could even drive, starting day release from Tavistock College when he was 14.

He will be taking his mother, Sue, and his employer, Rob Sleep, with him to the awards ceremony.