A BRITISH Gas engineer from Fearnhead has been announced as runner-up in the race for a prestigious award celebrating the company's best apprentices nationwide.

Daniel Bothwell was shortlisted for the energy provider's Apprentice of the Year award following the 28-year-old's achievement in claiming the title against colleagues at the firm's Leeds academy.

The newly-qualified engineer, who was one of five apprentices in the running for the national award, was nominated as a result of his 'dedication, team work and excellent customer service' displayed each day.

He began his apprenticeship in 2013 after making a pledge with himself to learn new skills.

After qualifying as a 'smart energy expert' at the end of that year he was given the responsibility of fitting smart meters in customers' homes across Manchester.

"I'm really pleased to have been recognised and nominated for this award," he said.

"I really enjoyed my apprenticeship with British Gas and now have skills and experiences for life. I love my job as a smart energy expert and helping our customers every day."

David Marsh, head of British Gas' academies, added: "I'm really pleased Daniel Bothwell has been named as a runner up in our Apprentice of the Year award.

"He should be proud of himself after demonstrating a fantastic attitude, great skills, and excellent customer service during the course of his apprenticeship.

"Daniel, alongside the other finalists, are testament to the comprehensive training we deliver to our apprentices so they can provide excellent service to our customers."

Mr Bothwell currently covers the Warrington, Wigan and Manchester areas.

It was the first time in its 10-year history that the shortlist for the awards programme had been extended to include smart energy experts apprentices.

It recognises how smart metering has become a key focus for British Gas, with around 1.8 million smart meters already installed by the company in homes and businesses across Britain.