A NORTH-EAST electrician has received an award in a ceremony at the House of Lords.

Recently qualified Michael Murphy, 21, from Denton Burn, Newcastle, has won a £750 cash prize and a plaque for being the top electrical apprentice in 2001 in the North-East and Yorkshire region.

He was presented his award at the House of Lords in London at a private function, which is now in its ninth year.

It was organised by JTL, the principal training provider for the electrotechnical industry and who arranged Michael's apprenticeship training.

The ceremony was hosted by Lord Randall of St Budeaux, himself a former electrical apprentice.

Michael received his award from Sir Ken Jackson, general secretary of Amicus-AEEU, in front of his family and his employer, Hayden Young of Newcastle, which trained him during his apprenticeship.