IT was time for double celebrations when Lee Clarkson, of Mechetronics, in Bishop Auckland, finished his university course.

As well being highly commended at the end of the Durham University manage information technology course, he was appointed to the company's management team.

The course was part of the universities Biz-kIT project.

Mr Clarkson now leads a team targeting major sectors of the company's activities, concerned with skills and implementation. He also has special responsibilities for Mechetronics' operations in China and says none of this would have been possible without the Manage-IT course.