A trainee mechanic from Ottery St Mary has been praised for his driven attitude which has steered him to success in his course at Exeter College.

Mitchel Hayes, who works at Riverside Motors, received an ‘Apprentice of the year’ award after completing a three-year motor technician qualification.

Exeter College skills officer Tim Laye described the 20-year-old Ottery resident as a ‘confident, driven and pleasant young man’ who had always managed to complete his work to a high standard and one time.

Sheila Clarke, one of the directors at Riverside Motors, said: “All the Directors and staff at Riverside are very proud of his achievement, especially as he was told by teachers at his secondary school that he was never destined to do well in the workplace! His keen attitude and friendly personality are appreciated by everyone he meets and we feel very lucky to have him on our team.”