A New Milton mechanic is in contention to bag the garage industry's top honour after making it through to the final of the Bright Spark Champion Technician of the Year 2006 competition the search for the UK's best technician.

Richard Perriman, from Martin Pilley Services, has already proven his technical prowess by passing two theory rounds of challenging technical questions. Now, having staved off stiff opposition from hundreds of fellow mechanics over the past four months, he'll compete in the final on June 3 in a bid to become the best of the best.

Richard, will be wined and dined at a luxury hotel in the idyllic Derbyshire setting of Chapel-en-le-Frith before competing with nine other contestants from across the country, at a nearby technical facility. All will be subjected to a full day of mind-bending theoretical and practical tests set by experts from some of the industry's leading independent bodies.

As he prepares for his big day, Richard says: "I'm thrilled to have made it through to the final. The previous two rounds have been tough, but I'm expecting a particularly gruelling final where I'm sure my expertise will be tested to the limit. Pitting my wits against the best technicians in the country is a challenge I'm already relishing."

Jerry Banks, competition organiser, said: "Technician of the Year showcases the very best technical expertise from within the UK's extensive network of over 20,000 garages. The standard of entries has been very high and this is proof that there are many exceptionally skilled individuals working on and around your vehicles on a daily basis. It is our duty to recognise and reward these great people."

The overall champion will walk away with a trophy and dream holiday worth £2,500 plus over £3,500 of Omitec specialist diagnostic tools.

The competition is supported by industry bodies the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) and diagnostic tool specialists Omitec.