At the age of 36 Darren Lycett was told by doctors he would never work again after suffering a massive heart attack.

But after three and a half years off, he decided a lifetime on benefits was not for him and with the help of The Shaw Trust – a scheme that funds the long-term sick and the disabled to take training programmes – he began a course with Birkwood Plant Training in Crofton.

He impressed managing director Mark Ramskill so much that he eventually offered him a job. Mr Lycett soon worked his way up the ranks to plant supervisor and is now training others in his role as plant instructor.

Mr Lycett, 42, said: “The heart attack affected my confidence as well as my health and it took time to adjust, but I was keen to get back into work. It was hard though – I’d go to the job centre and employers simply wouldn’t touch me because of my medical history.

“The course spurred me on to think I could make something of myself, so I got stuck in and really enjoyed it. Not everyone would take on someone with a record of ill health and Mark has invested thousands of pounds in my training. I’m glad it’s paid off.”

And it really has paid off – on Wednesday, April 16, Mr Lycett was awarded the individual title at the Construction, Planning and the Built Environment category in the Celebration of Learning and Skills Awards, Yorkshire and Humber, in Harrogate, beating rivals like Wakefield and Leeds Councils.

Sally Ramskill, director of Birkwood Plant Training, said: “Darren has not only overcome a great deal of adversity to achieve what he has achieved, but has also added real value to our company in the process.”