A CORBRIDGE mechanic has proved his mettle with an apprenticeship accolade.

Lewis Rayne has been named Newcastle College's Apprentice of the Year at its Automotive Awards in the mechanics category after impressing tutors and colleges alike.

The 18-year-old, from Bellingham, has been a mechanical apprentice with GB Motor Engineers in Corbridge for the past three years while studying for an automotive apprenticeship part time at the college.

He received the award at a presentation at the college, where he was praised as a top class apprentice and for his hard work.

Lewis said: "It's good to get the award, it goes to show all the work you've been doing hasn't gone unnoticed.

"When I first started I found it hard to learn all the new things but now it's enjoyable.

"The lads I work with are dead canny. They definitely taught me everything I know, I wouldn't have got the award without them."

As well as collecting a trophy to celebrate his award, Lewis was also presented with a certificate and brand new tool box.

He has one year more left in his apprenticeship but hopes to continue at the company where colleges have commended his conscientious and hard working attitude.

The award also marks Lewis's completion of a Level Two in Mechanics at Newcastle College, and he will be going on to study for a Level Three this year.