An 18-year-old former Neale-Wade Academy student has been named as the nation’s top Young Achiever in a national housebuilder’s award scheme.

Ashton Quince, from Wisbech, was named Persimmon Homes Trade Apprentice of the Year, after seeing off competition from across the company’s 24 regional businesses.

Ashton, who attends Peterborough Regional College, started work with Persimmon Homes East Midlands as an apprentice carpenter/joiner in September 2013.

Adrian Evans, managing director at Persimmon Homes East Midlands, said: “Ashton is very dedicated and works hard and we are delighted that he has won this award. We are hugely proud of his achievement.

“We feel it is important to reward those youngsters who have got off to a flying start and Ashton is a perfect example of this.”