His name is Ashley Myatt and by mid-April he could be one of the UK’s most unusual world champions.

A HGV driver for TG Builders Merchants, 56-year-old Mr Myatt is based at Wincham Mill, Northwich. His manager suggested that he enter the northern regional heat of the World Crane Championships, held at Oulton Park towards the end of February. His victory in this qualifying round secured him a place in the first World Final at the Commercial Vehicle Show, to be held at the NEC Birmingham from 14 to 16 April.

Finalists will be expected to manoeuvre a state-of-the-art HIAB X-HiPro 192 through a series of obstacles, aiming to beat a time set by anonymous professional crane operator “Eric” (think The Stig in a crane). The winner and world champion will receive prizes totalling €25,000 (€20K off a crane purchase and €5K in travellers cheques for the operator).

Understandably, TG group managing director, Tudor Griffiths, is very proud of Mr Myatt’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.”