Blackawton mechanic is in Top Technician semi-final.

Kevin Toms who works at FRL Autoservices in Dartmouth has been entering competitions like Top Technician for a number of years. Although successful in reaching the last 50 in the past, this year he has reached the last 10.

This is the semi-final of a nationwide competition. The competition begins as a series of on-line quizzes. At each stage the quiz becomes longer and more complex until the numbers are wheedled down to just 20 and then 10.

At this stage, the semi-final, the contestants attend a practical assessment in Bournemouth. Kevin has made the cut and on Thursday, May 11th will fight it out with 9 other top mechanics.

Each contestant will face five challenges. Each challenge has a 20 minute time limit.

If successful, Kevin will join four other contestants for the final in mid-September.

Joanna Veale who works with Kevin said, “He quite well-known in town. A local boy who lives in Blackawton and who married his childhood sweetheart, Tracy.

“The couple have two girls who are both married to mechanics.”

Kevin commented, “I’m chuffed. I am only a local boy. I’ve been in the top 50 of other competitions but this is the first time I’ve made the semi-finals.”