AN apprentice at Rolls Royce in Sunderland has won a regional title in a national manufacturing awards scheme.

Laura Gray, 22, of Darlington, won the EEF North East Region Outstanding Achievement by a Final Year Apprentice award at the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards.

Hosted by the UK manufacturers’ organisation EEF, the awards recognise excellence in enterprise and Miss Gray will now go on to compete against other regional winners from across the country in the national final in London on January 31, 2013.

She was given the award for her dedication to her work which has seen her succeed in all areas of her apprenticeship and take on extra work to gain additional qualifications.

Miss Gray has also been involved in various school projects and career events around the North East, promoting the benefits of apprenticeships and careers for women in engineering.

Andy Tuscher, EEF regional director north, described her as “an inspiration to young people everywhere”.