The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has applauded the achievements of two technicians who have won bronze medals at the 2007 Worldskills competition in Japan.

Simon Noble from Simon Bailes Peugeot in Northallerton, one of 100 technicians in the country who has achieved accredited status in the body repair discipline of the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme, finished third in the ‘Autobody Repair’ category at the competition in Japan.

Also achieving a podium place was Jonathan Lloyd from the Bavarian Agnew Repair Centre in Belfast who picked up a bronze in the ‘car painting’ category.

The British duo were competing against technicians from 48 countries and their two bronze medals constituted half of the British medal tally for the competition.

Sarah Sillars, IMI chief executive said: “We offer our warmest congratulations to Simon, Jonathan and also Dan Glover, a finalist in the ‘light vehicle’ category.

“Highly skilled and competent professionals are an integral part of the automotive sector in the UK and these three technicians have displayed this on a world stage. Their medals are great news not only for the individuals involved but also for the motor industry as a whole.”