A TEENAGER has beaten hundreds of other drivers from across three continents to reach the finals of the International Forklift Operator of the Year.

Craig Dawson, an 18-year-old from Stockton-on-Tees, will demonstrate his skills in front of thousands of people at the finals being held at the NEC in Birmingham between September 13 and 16.

Mr Dawson, who works at KP Snacks, beat rivals from Indian and the United States to reach the last 40 contestants who will compete in the final.

Finalists face four tests, two driving tests, a theory test and an inspection test to decide the overall winner.

The competition is hosted by UK-based RTITB, the regulatory body for workplace transport training.