AN apprentice mechanic is racing through his studies.

Andy Newlove got off to a flying start when he completed his NVQ level 1 in light vehicle mechanics in only six months at Darlington College of Technology.

He is now well on the way to completing level 2, overtaking many students who have been working on projects for some time.

He said: "I just get my head down and get on with it.

"It seemed fairly easy, but then I have been working on cars all my life."

As well as his studies and holding down a job, Andy, from Thirsk, North Yorkshire, has also found time to rebuild an old Mini.

He said: "It started life as a old Mayfair. It's now a custom-built 68bhp 1275cc with an MG engine."

The rebuild involved stripping the car down to a shell.

"I'd never welded before so my dad's friend gave me a crash course," he said.

The 17-year-old is hoping to pass his motorcycle test before building his dream car - a huge truck.