Paul West of Inchcape Volkswagen in Chelmsford has become the 9,000th technician to achieve the Automotive Technician Accreditation standard, governed by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

West, a service maintenance technician, was presented with champagne and a £200 cheque by Michelle Barrett, an IMI national manager for England.

Sarah Sillars, IMI chief executive, said: "ATA has been embraced by the whole industry which in itself is a tremendous achievement for our sector and one which has been welcomed by consumer groups.

"We will be showing consumers that the industry is very focused on raising levels of expertise and professionalism and helping reward those businesses who have invested in the development and recognition of their technicians.”

West is one of 450 Volkswagen technicians who have now gained ATA status.

He said: "As part of our intensive training programme we already receive certification from Volkswagen, but it’s great to receive an industry recognised accreditation which the public can understand as a sign of independent quality and which I can use throughout the rest of my career."