HGV driver Ashley Myatt is bidding for success in the final of an unusual world championships next monrth.

Ashley, 56, from Barnton, works for TG Builders Merchants, part of the Tudor Griffiths Group, and is based at Wincham Mill, Manchester Road, Northwich.

Ashley’s transport manager Jamie Jones started him on the trail to possible glory by suggesting he enter last month’s northern regional heat of the World Crane Championships at Oulton Park.

His victory over 14 challengers in the qualifying round saw him win a place in the world final at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC Birmingham on April 15.

Finalists will be expected to manoeuvre a state-of-the-art crane through a series of obstacles, the aim being to beat a time set by a professional crane operator.

The winner and world champion will receive prizes totalling 25,000 Euros - 20,000 Euros off a crane purchase for the company and 5,000 Euros in travellers’ cheques for the operator.

During the heat Ashley was required to operate a lorry- mounted crane and manoeuvre it around pre-positioned crates, topple a number of target barrels and position accurately the load into containers.

It takes around three minutes to complete the course and Ashley delivered a fault-free round.

He has held a crane operators licence for six years, gaining it just a year after he joined TG Builders Merchants, and delivers building materials across Cheshire.

“I went along to the heat to do the best I could, and was bemused when I won – it was a bit unbelievable,” said Ashley.

“I will be going for the win in the final, and have received some encouraging comments from members of the public when I have been out delivering.”

TG Group managing director, Tudor Griffiths, is very proud of Ashley’s achievements.

“Ashley has represented our company brilliantly,” he said.

“It’s a terrific achievement to reach the final, and we can only wish him a good steer for his big day.”

The Commercial Vehicle Show takes place from April 14 to 16, and Ashley’s transport manager will be there to cheer him on in the final.