APPRENTICE Tom Betts has been recognised as one of Britain's top engineering students.

Tom , 20, who works for Honley firm Crowther and Shaw, was named Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Student Engineer of the Year.

He was presented with his trophy at The Belfry, Warwickshire.

He also wins £750 and a trip to Germany.

Building Engineering Services Training, the award's sponsor, is a training provider for the heating and ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry.

Tom, who lives at Holmfirth, recently completed training at Grimsby College, which he attended on block release.

He was one of 10 national finalists competing for the national award.

Mark Gledhill, service manager at Crowther and Shaw, said: "Tom's approach to work and learning has been the secret of his success. His award is well-deserved and, hopefully, one of many great achievements for him."

The company has a strong track record of training young people and currently has six apprentices on the books.

To become a finalist, Tom was nominated by his college and BEST training adviser. Judges also took into account a commendation from his manager, several customer testimonials and his exam results.