Wayne Clark from Sleaford receives company honour from Princess Anne

An employee at a packaging firm has been honoured for his achievements at the company by Princess Anne.

Wayne Clark, from Sleaford, received a Best Student Driving Food Manufacturing Excellence award from the Princess Royal at a ceremony in London.

He was chosen for the accolade following his efforts in improving performance at DP Packaging in Pinchbeck, near Spalding.

Mr Clark was also recognised for his commitment to personal training with the University of Lincoln.

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He was said to have impressed for his "outstanding commitment" to his education.

He had also shown "unusual progression" – going straight from his apprenticeship, to advanced apprenticeship to his level 4 certificate - as many people take a break between qualifications.

The university was also impressed with Mr Clark's dedication and focus on his career from a person of his age.

He started his apprenticeship at the age of 18, in 2009 and has managed this while holding down a job and gaining promotion to the role of quality assurance manager.

He admitted his progression had not been an easy journey.

He said: "It has been fairly challenging to undertake study while also working full-time but both the university and my employers have been really supportive.

"One of the assumptions with factory work is that it is boring but that isn't the case. I have carved out a great career for myself."

Mr Clark has studied at the university's National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) at Holbeach since August 2009.

Since then he has completed an apprenticeship in food and drink manufacturing operations and an advanced apprenticeship in food manufacture.

He is now working towards a certificate for proficiency in food manufacturing Excellence.

Hosted by the Institute of Meat (IoM) and the Meat Training Council (MTC), the awards recognised the achievements of the industry's best. DP Packaging packages fruit and vegetables for supermarket suppliers.

Sharon Green, head of skills and employer engagement at the NCFM, nominated Wayne for the annual award.

She said: "Wayne has truly seen the benefit of life-long learning and how training and development can lead to promotions in the workplace."

Mr Clark attended a ceremony on Tuesday, February 26, at Butchers' Hall in London.