Autoglass technician Steve Marelli has been recognised as the best vehicle glass replacement technician at the Best of Belron competition.

Marelli, from Scampton, Lincolnshire, becomes the first person from the UK to win the global competition. Belron employees from 29 countries battled it out in the Fira Exhibition Centre in Barcelona, Spain on 23 and 24 May 2012.

Held every two years, technicians demonstrate their extensive skills in front of more than 1,000 colleagues, suppliers and partners from across the insurance and fleet sectors.

Technicians are assessed on all aspects of their job including: how to repair and replace a windscreen; a side and rear window, as well as customer communication skills.

Commenting on his win, Master ATA Technician Marelli said: “I have worked at Autoglass for 13 years and have even featured in one of their national TV adverts.

“I am as passionate about my job now, as I was all those years ago when I first started. I have been training intensely and this has been an incredibly long journey but I am so proud and couldn’t be happier.”

Matthew Mycock, managing director at Autoglass, said: “This is an incredible achievement for Steve being the first person from the UK to win this prestigious award.”

The Best of Belron was launched globally in 2000 to demonstrate the skills of Belron technicians across the world, while also recognising the high levels of customer service offered by Belron in providing vehicle glass repair and replacement services.