A CLITHEROE mechanic is one of ten hopefuls in the running to be officially crowned the brightest spark of them all.

Geoff Taylor, who works at Primrose Garage, Whalley Road, is set to compete in the final of the Champion Spark Plug Technician of the Year competition.

The 53-year-old has battled through two gruelling rounds involving challenging technical questions.

The final will be held in Chester on March 8 when Geoff will join nine other mechanical masters from around the country.

He will be set a series of mind-bending theory and practical tests set by experts from the industry's leading independent bodies.

Geoff said: "I've been in the motor trade for nearly 35 years and won holidays and even placed fourth in a similar competition in 1997, but this one is proving a formidable challenge.

"The second round was very difficult so I'm not sure what to expect in the final."

If Geoff is successful next month he will not win the coveted title and a prize package including tickets to the Grand Prix, free marketing support and a day at the Jonathan Palmer Motorsport Sensation in Bedford.