Gavin Mann, 19 who works for Volvo dealer M.R. King & Sons of Halesworth has been named Volvo apprentice of the year for his second-year studies.

Gavin, who has worked for the Volvo dealership at Halesworth since September 2008, has always set his sights high and narrowly missed out on winning it last year.

He attended an award ceremony in Daventry but did not know his proud parents had also made the same trip to surprise him as well. Gavin was presented with his trophy, plaques and a watch by Kevin Meeks, network and business development director of Volvo Car UK.

Mark Chatfield, service manager of M.R. King & Sons who attended the event, said: 'Gavin has worked extremely hard and deserves this recognition. Vehicles are highly complex and a thorough understanding is required which Gavin has demonstrated.'

The apprentice service technician now needs to complete his final year and hopes to maintain his high standards.

Julian King, general manager, said: 'When Gavin first inquired about a position with ourselves he showed a lot of enthusiasm for cars and I can remember he was that keen to demonstrate it that he was prepared to work for no recompense initially to prove it. When he was paid for his work he couldn't believe it but he knew he could impress us and clearly it worked.'

M.R. King & Sons at Halesworth can be contacted on 01986 874464, e-mail enquire@mrking.co.uk or visit the website at www.mrking.co.uk