An Oxfordshire mechanic who beat cancer to keep up his apprenticeship has picked up a national award.

Philip Ball, 19, who lives in Sutton Courtenay, was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer at the age of 16, just two weeks after joining Hartwell Motors, in Abingdon.

He faced major surgery to remove a large tumour but after a few months of treatment was back at work.

He is one of four national winners of the Learners First Awards, a scheme launched by the Learning and Skills Council.

He received his award at a ceremony with TV presenter Philippa Forrester and John Harwood, chief executive of the LSC.

Mark Allen of Hartwell said: "Philip is much admired and valued by us all.

"He has the right motivation and positive mental attitude and is quickly becoming an accomplished mechanic."

Philip is currently re-building his own 1978 Mini pick-up and would eventually like to manage his own workshop.

He said: "I'm hooked on cars. I'm at my happiest when I'm up to my elbows in grease.