CONTRACTOR Andrew Banner has proved a leader in health and safety at work.

The part-time Darlington College of Technology student has been awarded the Stan Winkworth Golden Helmet Trophy after he gained a distinction in exams run by the National Examining Body of Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH).

The trophy was presented to the 24-year-old at the annual meeting of the Teesside Safety Group in Marton, Middlesbrough.

Mr Banner works for his father Michael's firm, Banner Contracts, which specialises in quarrying, crushing, demolition and tipping services and is based at Halnaby, near Croft.

He and his brother, Jonathan, are training to be managers with a view to running the company when their father retires.

Mr Banner took the 12-week NEBOSH safety course at the college, and passed with flying colours.

He said: "Winning the award is a real honour and most unexpected. The course was great and really relevant to the work I do.

"Health and safety is very important in our industry and if it is not done properly, people can be killed or injured."