WOOLMER Hill student Stanley Read was in pole position at GASP Motor Project’s awards ceremony hosted by the charity’s champion McLaren at its technology centre outside Woking.

He won the skills development award after after GASP delivered a six-week course funded by ExxonMobil at the Haslemere school using its mobile unit.

A framed certificate and socket set were presented by Judge Christopher Critchlow, a patron of GASP Motor Project, at a ceremony attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, county council chairman Sally Marks and its chief executive David McNulty.

Judge Critchlow said: “It is marvellous what GASP is doing for all these young people. In my job I come across a lot of young people who have not had these opportunities and get into trouble.

“Stanley has shown what a keen aptitude for mechanics he has and he may one day end up in such a wonderful place as the McLaren Technology Centre here.”

GASP developed its new programme of after-school courses, using ‘hands-on’ motor mechanics sessions to help interest young people, after gaining funding from Surrey County Council’s Local Prevention Framework, in September 2013.

Delivered in schools across Guildford and Waverley using a mobile unit, the programme has been a huge success according to GASP workshop manager Howard James.

He said: “In the two years since it started, we have delivered over 20 courses, some 140 sessions, and supported around 100 young people. One of the very first schools we visited was Woolmer Hill, in Haslemere, where we have returned year--n year, always receiving a warm welcome.

“Stanley was one of six students attending the 2014 course, and it was instantly apparent that he had an aptitude for mechanics. As well as enjoying the sessions, from the word go, he always made good use of his time.

“He worked hard, getting on with the task in hand, learning new skills as he went, helping others when needed.

“Each week, as the tasks became a bit more challenging, Stanley was able to take the skills he had learned in the earlier sessions, develop them further, and then transfer them to the new task.

“He didn’t miss a minute of any session, and his efforts are rewarded with the AQA Unit Awards he has gained. He is clearly a future motor mechanic in the making.”

GASP worked with more than 170 young people during the academic year 2013/14 and the charity selected the best students to win the top awards.

After the presentations, the prizewinners and their guests enjoyed a once in a lifetime Boulevard tour of the McLaren technology and production Centre and were photographed with one of the latest McLaren Formula One cars.

GASP chairman Sally Varah applauded McLaren for championing the charity’s work to help students progress into education, training and employment.

This year also saw the start of a new partnership with Chertsey engineering firm Stanhope-Seta, offering GASP students the chance to do hands-on work experience with the company.