The skills of bodyshop technicians and management staff at Vauxhall Approved Accident Repair centres across the UK will be put to the test later this month when the preliminary rounds of the Vauxhall Championships Awards begin.

The competition has attracted more than 300 entries divided across five categories, paint technician, panel technician, bodyshop receptionist, bodyshop estimate and bodyshop manager.

Vauxhall accident repair programme manager Jim Williams said: "The logic of taking one of our vehicles to a Vauxhall bodyshop is clearly recognised by insurance assessors in their quest to manage costs, so we believe our dealers' success depends on comprehensive product training and motivating staff."

Every grand finalist in the award scheme will get £150 worth of shopping vouchers, plus a personalised certificate and trophy, while the winners, runners-up and third placed in each category will win £1,000, £500 and £250 respectively.