BLACKBURN-BASED training 2000 has beaten off 20 other national finalists to scoop a top motor industry award.

Operations manager Michael Hunt was awarded the Alexander Duckham Memorial Trophy from the Institute of the Motor Industry.

He collected the honour at the Institute's awards ceremony in London in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education and training in the motor industry.

Alan Mackrill, director of education and training at the Institute, said: "Submissions were of a very high standard and selecting an outright winner was extremely difficult - a testament to the achievements of the finalists."

Michael is understandably pleased to have won the award and said it was a reflection of the enthusiasm and dedication of all the staff at Training 2000.

"To have our quality and work ethic rewarded in this way is yet another sign of the standard of work-based learning that is available through Training 2000."

Jeff Cowburn, joint chief executive, added: "As well as recognising individual and team efforts, this award is also an acknowledgement of the reputation we have built with the institute and the motor industry in general over the years."