Shropshire truck driver Gareth is the best of British

When it comes to parking lorries in a tight spot, Shropshire's Gareth Thomas is among the best in the business.

The 26-year-old has just been crowned Britain's best young truck driver and now he is to fly the flag for Shropshire at the Young European Truck Driver 2012 in Sweden.

Mr Thomas, who works for DR & FA Ford Transport Ltd in Wem, wowed the judges at the UK finals in Warwickshire last weekend by completing tasks such as parking a HGV in a tight space, eco-friendly driving and manoeuvring safely and with pinpoint accuracy.

Mr Thomas, from Monkmoor, Shrewsbury, collected a prize of £1,000 and a passenger drive in a rally car. He said: "I'm overwhelmed – this was quite unexpected. I'm also elated and feel proud and privileged to have won.

"I'm really looking forward to participating in the final in Sweden, which I see as a chance to challenge myself against the best-of-the-best in my industry."

His boss David Ford said he was delighted his protégé had outshone more than 400 hopefuls to win the UK final.

He said:"I'm proud one of our drivers is going to be competing against the best of the best."

The European victor will win a new Scania truck valued at 100,000 euros.