TRAFFORD College apprentice James Bagnall is celebrating scooping a Young Apprentice of the Year award at the Altrincham and Sale Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2014.

James, 20, from Hale, picked up his award at a glittering ceremony hosted by Key 103 DJ Darren Proctor, at the Cresta Court hotel, in Altrincham, on Thursday.

James, who is currently working towards an electronics apprenticeship, was recognised for his role as an apprentice with Lynton Lasers, the UK's leading manufacturer and provider of cosmetic laser solutions and aesthetic equipment to the medical, cosmetic and beauty industries.

Despite successfully completing eight GCSEs and A-levels, James decided he would prefer to continue with an apprenticeship rather than university and he quickly became a respected member of his organisation.

Described by his company as 'one of their shining stars', James feels that by becoming an apprentice he has joined a unique team of individuals who aspire to reach the top through hard work and commitment, and he is a keen ambassador for the programme.

Despite being relatively new to the organisation, some of James' most successful achievements have already seen him using his knowledge of electronics to identify faults within systems and the production of laser systems.

James has also been selected to accompany the company's conservation specialists for a number of workshop and customer visits in April, alongside installation of a new laser system in Australia. Part of this trip will involve making a solo visit to a museum to carry out preventative maintenance.

James said: "I am very pleased to have won the award. It is really rewarding after all the work I have been doing over the past two years.

"I think that an apprenticeship is a brilliant way of learning and gaining work-based experience along the way, and I would highly recommend others to do so.

"I would like to thank Lynton for giving me this brilliant opportunity which I have thoroughly enjoyed and I would also like to thank Trafford College for entering me for the award and the support they have given me."