Global explorer David Hempleman-Adams presented prizes to Swindon and Wiltshire's best engineering and manufacturing apprentices at the annual Engineering and Employer's Federation Western Apprentice of the Year Awards.

The event, now in its fourth year, honours the region's top engineering and manufacturing apprentices.

Hempleman-Adams, the keynote speaker at the ceremony held in Weston-super-Mare told the participants: "You are the cream of your industry you are quality people, who will help push the boundaries of innovation."

He added: "The only person who ever fails is someone who knows in their heart they can do something but never actually tries."

Frances Chambers, the education and skills spokesperson at EEF Western and organiser of the event, said: "Modern Apprenticeships are vital in developing and delivering the skills that industry throughout the South West needs."

The Western Apprentice of the Year Award is supported by the South West Regional Development Agency, the local Learning & Skills Councils and SEMTA, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies.

The award-winning apprentices and their employers from Swindon and Wiltshire are:

Initial Stage: 1. Darren Plank from Trowbridge Cooper Avon Tyres, Melksham; 2. Edward Porch from Hilperton, Trowbridge Wessex Water, Bath; 3. Daniel Latcham from Radstock, nr Bath Apetito, Trowbridge.

Second Year: 1. Damian Westerman from Swindon Network Rail Infrastructure, Swindon; 2, Nigel Stonham from Neston, Corsham Westinghouse Rail Systems, Chippenham; 3, Gary Campbell from Tuffley, Gloucester Network Rail Infrastructure, Swindon.

Third Year: 1. Emma Blaken from Salisbury DSTL, Porton Down; 2, Carl Durrant from Swindon Tyco Electronics, Swindon; 3, Stuart Chivers from Chippenham Westcode Semiconductors, Chippenham.