A FORK lift truck apprentice has been raised up to a new level after clinching a national award.


Matthew Connelly, of Worsley Avenue, Latchford, took the prize for apprentice of the year at the National Fork Lift Truck Association Awards (FLTA).


He works at H G Wood Lift Trucks Ltd, based at Crosfields, and was put forward by his training centre North Warwickshire and Hinckley College.


Speaking after his award success Matthew said: “I was surprised and delighted to win the award considering the competition I was up against.”


His managing director David Wood added: “I’m really proud of Matthew’s success at the FLTA Awards. He really is a genuinely nice guy but it’s his work ethic that really impresses me.


“He’s very capable, he picks things up extremely quickly and he’s a real asset to the company. I can see him moving into the electrical side of things to further his training so he really does have a bright future within the industry.”