The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) governed Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) standard has now qualified its 8,000 technicians.

Richard Cleaver from TSG Motors in Slough was the 8,000th technician and achieved his ATA at service maintenance technician level at Delphi Automotive’s training facility near Warwick. Tony Shoard, manager and owner of TSG Motors said: "The ATA is an excellent way of proving technical competence and all of our technicians have now successfully achieved the standard.

"It is important that our customers can see we are professionally accredited and having ATA demonstrates that we are committed to raising standards."

Michelle Barrett, IMI national manager for England (South East), said: "Since its launch in 2005 the number of technicians achieving accreditation shows that the industry values professional recognition and that it plays an integral part in continuing to improve public perceptions of our sector."