AUTOTESTER Steve Johnson is clearing some space in his trophy cabinet - because he has ten awards coming his way.

The experienced Accrington-based competitor has enjoyed one of his best-ever seasons contesting national and regional championships.

To accomplish his feat, Johnson has used no less than three Mini cars, an 1100cc and 1275cc saloon and an open-topped Special, all sponsored by T.Blank Tyres of Accrington.

"It's been a fantastic season. I wanted to do well but I never expected to collect so much silverware," said Johnson, who is a watch manager for Lancashire Fire and Rescue.

Although his season is now finished, Johnson's trophy count could rise still further.

The points tally for the ANCC - Association of Northern Car Clubs - autotest championship has still to be finalised, with the Mini man in line for two more awards.

"I won't know those results as the championship hasn't yet finished, so I could end up a dozen!" he added.

"I'll have to brush up on my speechwriting skills as I've got a few prizegiving ceremonies to get to over winter.

"It has been a very busy season, and I seem to have been out competing almost every other weekend.

"I'd like to thank my wife and family for their support, and my shift colleagues for their help over the past year."

But Johnson's involvement in motorsport doesn't end with autotesting.

He was heavily involved with last weekend's CSMA road rally, which started and finished in East Lancashire.

As clerk-of-the-course, he was responsible for the running of the event, which formed the final round of the 2003 SD34 Road Rally Championship.