PUTTING the business parts together has helped Alan Hambley pick up a top award.

Alan, assistant parts manager at car dealership Greyhound Ford, of Accrington, ran away with the honour in a nationwide competition organised by Ford.

Alan was whisked off to Venice to collect his award in the parts category of the 2000 Autoteam Competition during a gala dinner.

The contest was split into seven categories and was open to 10,000 Ford dealership staff across the country. The competition involved written and practical tests.

Alan, 41, of Loweswater Close, Accrington, received a £1,000 cheque, certificate and a limited edition model Tyrell car from Maurice Weston (see picture), principal of the Ford College in Daventry.

Alan went to Venice knowing he was in the top three in his category but picking up the winner's accolade was still a major surprise.

"It was a complete shock when they announced I'd won it," said Alan, who has worked at Greyhound Ford for 25 years. "It's a real honour.

"It's the first time I've gone in for this; it's the first time they've had a parts category. I'll be going in for it again next year!"