TELEVISION star Michaela Strachan's return to Warrington was a dream come true for young trainee Damian Coyne.

The Really Wild Show presenter was a frequent visitor to the town - and Mr Smith's nightclub in particular - during the heyday of The Hitman and Her programme.

So when she agreed to present Normidtec's Trainee of the Year awards this week, it was a double delight for store assistant Damian, of Grosvenor Close, Great Sankey.

The 19-year-old Kwik Save frozen foods worker, who scooped first prize in the Youth Training section, is a fan of the former Wide Awake Club host.

The ex-Great Sankey High pupil said: "She was my favourite children's television presenter."

Damian began his training with Warrington Borough Council more than two years ago, and has a number of information technology qualifications to his credit.

Bosses at the supermarket's Warrington Road, Penketh, branch were so impressed with his progress they offered him a permanent post last November.

Paying tribute to his achievements, store manager John Sharples added: "He thoroughly deserves the award - he is a really good worker and very reliable."

Elsewhere at the awards, the outstanding efforts of two more Warrington young people were recognised.

David Yardley was selected as a runner-up, also in the Youth Training category.

As he works for various engineering honours, David is a tool room machinist with Textron Fastening Systems and is aiming to further his prospects at university in the near future.

Meanwhile office administrator Kerry Wrench, Modern Apprenticeship division runner-up, has her sights set firmly on a management position at CCTV firm Remguard.

Kerry has already established a new administration system for the Norcott Brook company's customer services department and her enthusiasm has impressed bosses.

The awards ceremony at the Park Royal International Hotel in Stretton, is now in its second successful year.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.