A MALTON engineering apprentice has been recognised at an industry award-ceremony recognising excellence in safety, innovation and good practice.

Mike Armstrong, 20, of Settrington, studied at Norton College and is now an apprentice at Malton-based Kridan Handling Ltd, a fork lift truck service and rental firm.

He has just completed a three-year apprenticeship and attended the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) approved college for industry in Swindon.

He attended a judging day consisting of the FLTA panel of experts and was chosen unanimously by the panel.

A black-tie awards evening was in Telford on Saturday, March 30. The awards were presented by Mark Durden Smith from Channel 5 Rugby.

A spokesman for Kridan Handling Ltd said: “Michael has been a fantastic addition to our small team of nine from day one, always giving 100 per cent and most importantly is keen to learn and advance his skills.

“We feel lucky to have him, and wish more young engineers showed the same enthusiasm to help support businesses like ours grow."

Mike said: “I’m really proud of winning the award, but I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the fantastic support from everyone at Kridan Handling, especially David and Daniel. I came on work experience when I was 15 and I’ve been here ever since.

“They are a great company to work for and have been really supportive throughout my apprenticeship.

“I think apprenticeships are a good way to learn as you get the hands on experience while getting a qualification at the end of it.”

Kridan Handling Ltd is a family business offering service, repair, sales and hire of lift trucks, powered access platforms and warehousing equipment.

It operates a rental fleet of around 120 machines which grows constantly and offer serviced across Yorkshire.

Its recent purchase of a larger piece of industrial land on the outskirts of Malton was completed in order to support the growing business.