Three technicians based at Simon Bailes Peugeot dealerships in Northallerton and Stockton have been awarded a variety of top industry accreditations.

Martin Lambert, who is based in Northallerton, has been awarded Master Technician status, one of the highest industry accolades available. The 28-year old, from Bedale, joined Simon Bailes Peugeot as a trained technician two years ago. Since then he has undertaken an intensive training programme, both on site in Northallerton and at Peugeot's training headquarters in Coventry, to qualify as a master technician.

All Peugeot dealerships must have at least one master technician who is trained to the highest industry standards in diagnostic and technical procedures.

Daniel Waite, also based at Northallerton, and Matthew Norris, based at Stockton, have both completed their IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair and their Level 3 NVQ in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.

Twenty one year-old Daniel, from Stockton, joined Simon Bailes Peugeot three years ago as a first year apprentice and 20 year-old Matthew Norris, from Hartlepool, joined the company straight from school.

The IMI is the professional association for the motor industry and is also the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry, part of the Skills for Business network and the governing body for the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme. The ATA is a national voluntary scheme which tests the current competence of individuals working in the retail motor industry, operating to a strict code of conduct.

Simon Bailes Peugeot employs 28 technicians across its dealerships in Northallerton, Stockton and Guisborough. The majority of their technicians have already completed their ATA qualifications with the remainder currently working towards them.

Managing director, Simon Bailes, said: "It's vital in an industry such as ours that all technicians undertake the most thorough training. We are passionate about nurturing talent in the North East and North Yorkshire and we dedicate a lot of time to the development of our staff and working with young apprentices.

"This latest batch of achievements illustrates the technicians' commitment to their chosen industry and exceptional knowledge of their field."