A NORTH-EAST truck driver has won through to the finals of the Young European Truck Driver competition.

David Gowland, from Borrowdale Avenue, Seaburn, in Sunderland, will be taking part in the contest, in Bedfordshire, when he will have to sit a theory test exam and demonstrate his manoeuvres and safe driving skills.

He will also be expected to complete an "economy drive" when his fuel consumption will be monitored.

The top three drivers will go on to the UK National Final of the Young European Truck Driver competition on Saturday, August 30, and the winners compete against finalists from 20 countries.

The competition, only open to truck drivers aged under 30, is intended to demonstrate the high degree of skill which professional drivers need and improve awareness of road safety skills, as well as highlighting the shortage of professional drivers in the UK.

The overall winner will get a VIP trip to the Rio carnival, and the Amazonian jungle in Brazil.