The top 12 technicians entered for the Top Technician of 2006 Award have been decided after the regional semi-finals.

Four technicians will compete each day at the live final, held at the Automotive Trade Show (April 25-27, Birmingham NEC) on the Top Technician stand. The winner will walk away with £2,000.

The finalists all achieved diagnostic level automotive technician accreditation at the regional semi finals and also scored the highest marks when independently assessed for the purposes of the competition by Mark Softley from MototeK and Ian Gillgrass from the IMI.

The 12 finalists are:

David Alexander, Fenland Car Services, Lincs

Clive Atthowe, Clive Atthowe Tuning, Norfolk (Top Technician 2005 runner up)

Jerry Carroll, Carrolls Garage, Paisley (previous finalist)

Brian Cowan, Motortech, Stockton on Tees (Top Technician 2004)

Mike Down, Southgate of Andover, Hants

Paul Emmott, Reedley Service Centre, Lancs

Phil Huelin, St Mary's Service Centre, Jersey (1st technician to achieve ATA in Jersey)

Roy Lumley, Technical Car Services, York

Conrad Omand, CS Omand Garage, Orkney

Elliot Waters, Dick Lovett Ferrari Maserati, Bristol (previous finalist)

Stuart White, Complete Car Maintenance, Surrey (previous finalist)

Dallas Wiseman, Bassetts Citroen, Carmarthen

Nominations for Top Technician 2007 can now be made here: www.toptechnician.co.uk.