Alex Knight, an apprentice at Gatwick Honda, has been crowned the automobile technology (light vehicle) winner in the national skills competition, Skillauto.

Knight was one of six finalists who had to demonstrate their diagnostic and repair skills on a variety of vehicles and systems.

As champion, he collected the trophy and scooped a prize haul including a Snap-on tool box, BMW driving experience vouchers and gifts from competition sponsors IMI Awards and Castrol.

Knight, who is currently working towards a vehicle maintenance and repair NVQ Level 3 at the Honda Institute, said: "I’m over the moon to come first over so many other talented technicians. I’d like to congratulate the other five who made it to the final; they worked hard and did really well.

"I’d also like to thank everyone at Gatwick Honda and the Honda Institute, who have supported me in so many ways with extra training and lots of encouragement.”

The scores of the top four competitors were very close and finishing in joint silver medal position were Stuart Prince of Lookers Honda in Derby and Phil Roberts of Central Garage in Llanwrst, Wales. Simon Castanha from Sytner Leicester BMW achieved the bronze medal.

The aim of Skillauto is to identify and promote the exceptional talent of those working in the automotive industry and exceptional candidates might then have the opportunity to compete with the best from across the world at the prestigious WorldSkills event being held in London in 2011.