Hodgson Toyota apprentice Michael Derham, has been named as Toyota’s European Apprentice of the Year, less than six months after winning the UK title.

Derham represented the UK and Newcastle-based Hodgson Toyota in Rotterdam against the best apprentice candidates from across Europe. After completing an eight-part final assessment over two days, Derham and his team were announced as the winner.

Stephen Hodgson, owner of family-owned Hodgson, said: “For Derham to win the national award was a superb feat, but this European-wide triumph is outstanding - an absolutely fantastic achievement.

Currently completing the second-year of his three-year apprenticeship with Hodgson Toyota, Derham will begin his full-time job at the north-eastern dealership this summer.