Patterson Ford, wtih four dealerships in Newcastle, Shiremoor and Hexham, has achieved treble success in the 2001 Autoteam Competition Awards, held in Monte Carlo.

The annual competition, which is open to all dealer aftermarket staff, honours winners in seven categories: vehicle technician (car and van), body and paint technician, receptionist, Rapid Fit, parts, accident repair centre estimators and aftermarket support.

The winners are chosen through a series of written and practical tests submitted by the more than 10,000 readers of the Ford distance learning magazine, Autoteam.

Norman Blackburn, Rapid Fit manager at Patterson's Shiremoor dealership, took the top prize in the rapid fit category and received £1,000 and a miniature replica of a Model T Ford. Ian Perrin and Shaun Toon came 5th and 6th respectively in the car and van category. They were both awarded a special plaque with Mr Perrin receiving £200 and Mr Toon receiving £150.

The awards, which were presented by Maurice Weston, principal of Ford College, Daventry, were held at a special gala dinner in Monte Carlo.

Patterson Ford service manager Tom Cleary said: “This is a tremendous achievement for all three members of staff and for Patterson Ford as a whole. The team works so hard to give customers the highest levels of service and it is awards such a these that prove we have some of the most highly trained and motivated staff in the country”.