The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has named North Devon College as approved centre of the year and presented awards to its four outstanding achievers for 2008.

James Garrett, from Bentley Leicester, won outstanding technical student (light vehicle) for developing a new method to replace a full wiring loom on the Continental GT and Silver Spur.

Andrew Zelaya, from Harley Davidson Edinburgh, was outstanding technical student (motorcycle) and Joshua Custy, from Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl, won young student of the year.

Outstanding management student was Paul Prior, from Milton Keynes Seat, for creating a customer-led culture which has helped the dealership.

The awards ceremony was held at the IMI and presentations were made by patron Prince Michael of Kent.

  • Sarah Sillars, IMI chief executive, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours in recognition of her contribution to skills training and the automotive retail industry.