MOTOR technician Peter Leeming put his foot down to pick up the National Technician of the Year title from luxury car maker BMW.

Peter, 33, who works at Prestons BMW dealership, Colne, won the title after scoring top marks in a questionnaire which was sent to more than 1,600 BMW technicians in the UK.

Peter, of Clitheroe, was then invited to BMW's national training centre in Bracknell, Berkshire, to compete with the top 20 technicians for a chance to represent the UK in the International Service Technician of the Year contest.

"I was delighted to represent both Prestons and our region at the training centre in Bracknell," said Peter, who joined Prestons almost three years ago having worked in industry since leaving school. "Although I wasn't chosen as the overall winner, I was extremely happy with my performance. I'll definitely be giving the winners a run for their money in two years time. In the meantime I am preparing to take an assessment to become a senior technician at Prestons BMW."

Prestons presented Peter with two tickets for a European city break as a reward for his efforts.

Lee Collins, group managing director of Prestons BMW, said: "Peter is a highly skilled technician who has done Prestons proud by winning this national award.