IT'S not everyday you're invited to the House of Lords to pick up a top honour in your trade from a fully paid up member of the upper house.

But then it's not everyday you land the title of top JTL apprentice in the North-East region, and for Steven Dillon a trip to the capital was the result of his efforts.

Steven, 23, from Darlington was invited along with his family and employer to the House of Lords where he was presented with his prize.

The private function was organised by JTL, and hosted by Lord Randall of St Budeaux, himself a former electrical apprentice.

There were a total of 12 regional award winners, chosen on the basis of their results in the industry's achievement measurement two (AM2) test taken in 1999 - the final test taken before becoming a fully qualified electrician.

More than 2,000 apprentices take the AM2 test in England and Wales in any one year, so the winners are representative of the best young electricians in their country.

The former apprentices were trained for an average of four years and managed by JTL, who secured government funding and guided them through their training period, until they received the NVQ level three which signified the end of their training as a Modern Apprentice.

Steven was apprenticed to and, still works for, his family company, Talon Electrical Ltd based in his home town.

His apprenticeship was funded by Co Durham TEC, and Steven was presented with a cheque for £500, a plaque and a certificate of achievement.