Dingles Toyota apprentice Thomas Hurn, based in its Attleborough centre, has been awarded Toyota first-year apprentice of the year in an awards ceremony.

Dingles Toyota apprentice Thomas Hurn, based in its Attleborough centre, has been awarded Toyota first-year apprentice of the year in an awards ceremony.

And Ross Tebble, from Dingles' Norwich bodyshop, was also nominated.

Competing against other apprentices throughout the Toyota network both Thomas and Ross were proud to be nominated for the prestigious awards.

Thomas joined Dingles straight from leaving Easton College in October and was immediately placed on the Toyota apprenticeship programme. This scheme sees young people trained in areas such as vehicle technicians, paint and bodyshop technicians, parts and service advisors and sales consultants.

Training takes place both in the workplace and at Toyota's dedicated Apprentice Academy at Nottingham. The programme has been awarded outstanding training provider by Ofsted.

Dingles currently has four apprentices at various stages of the Toyota apprenticeship scheme.

Thomas said: 'I was delighted to win the title against very good opposition. The training scheme is very well carried out. I learn within the workshop and also at Toyota's dedicated training facility in Nottingham.'

Managing director John Dingle, who was also present at the awards ceremony held in Nottingham, said: 'I am delighted that two of my members of staff have been nominated and one of them has won the title of first-year apprentice.

'Dingles has taken part in the Toyota apprenticeship programme for the past 15 years. In fact, 20 members of staff are now employed by Dingles following completion of previous apprenticeships.'