Seventeen-year-old fire service apprentice Dan Adams this week clinched a top prize at the National Apprenticeship Awards.
Dan, who lives in Shrewsbury and joined Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service along with five other apprentices in July last year, fought off strong competition from almost 1,000 young hopefuls to collect a "High Commended" award at the event held in Hinckley, Leicestershire.
His entry will now be considered by a judging panel that will decide whether to send Dan on to the national final in London in January.
News of Dan's success has delighted his colleagues at SFRS's Shrewsbury headquarters. Last year's six apprentices, including Dan, were the first ever to join Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
"Dan's win is wonderful news for him and for our organisation," said Chief Fire Officer, Rod Hammerton.
"Our decision to take on apprentices last year has proved to be a very good one for them and for us. They made a positive impact and contribution to our work almost from the first day they joined us and Dan's award win underlines that," Rod Hammerton added.
For award-winning Dan the trophy success came as a big surprise.
"I wasn't expecting to win anything but my name was called out and the next thing I knew I was standing on the stage with the award in my hands. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping I get through the national final. My apprenticeship with the fire service has been a great experience for me and for my fellow apprentices," Dan said.
