A motor vehicle paint technician from Hammonds at Halesworth has proven he is the best in the business by scoopinga top industry award.

Paul Reeder, a paint shop supervisor, competed with the UK’s top industry professionals, and won the UK’s paint technician of the year 2013. The 17th Annual Bodyshop Event took place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, following a rigorous two-day practical assessment at Thatcham – the motor insurers’ automotive research centre in Berkshire.

Paul, who works for Hammond Accident Repair Centre, said: “I have been very close to winning this award on several occasions in the past, and to be honest I’m thrilled to have finally done it!”

Kevin Vokes, Accident Repair Centre manager, said: “We are all delighted for Paul – he really is a model professional. We had no doubt that his skills and attitude would shine through and he would be bringing this prestigious award back to Suffolk.”

The host for this year’s evening spectacular was TV comedian, broadcaster, columnist and travel writer Dom Jolly.