A YOUNG hospitality and catering student has fought off competition to earn a place in the regional finals of the Apprenticeship Awards 2010.

Todd Lowndes , 15, who studies at West Cheshire College and lives in Great Sutton, is one of just a handful of apprentices selected from throughout the North West to go through to the judging panel in Manchester on May 25.

If he is successful he will be put forward to represent the region at a national level in London in July.

Specialist teacher Phil Grey said: “This is fantastic news for both Todd and the college.

“It clearly demonstrates his commitment to his own personal development plus the hard work he’s put in to acquire new levels of skills.

“We all very excited about the regional finals and hope he does well – he deserves to.”