FROM troubled schoolboy to promising mechanic, Jonathan Vining has come a long way.

The 18-year-old once spent his time fighting, causing trouble and disruptinjg classes.

But he has turned his life around after getting involved in the Rathbone education project And now his success has been recognised with an award.

Jonathan has been named the Rathbone Bolton Achiever of the Year 2008 on Wednesday night.

He said: "It's good to get the award and I'm very happy about it."

Jonathan was referred to Rathbone, an independent education and training centre, from Thornleigh Salesian College when he was 15.

He had not been progressing at school but has come on leaps and bounds since joining the centre.

The teenager, who lives on Masefield Road, Little Lever, said: "I didn't listen at school and I got into trouble.

"I did a bit of fighting and things like that."

Bolton's Rathbone, which is based on Chorley Street in the town centre, has turned things around for the 18-year-old.

He said: "I was told about it at school and went to the centre once a week until I left.

"Then I got an apprenticeship and did one day there and worked four days a week as a mechanic.

"I've always wanted to be a mechanic, I was born to build and fix things. I'm really enjoying it."

Jonathan completed his apprenticeship in just 14 months and will now work full time for Autostyle in Kearsley.

Kath Farrant is centre manager of Rathbone Bolton, and said: "When he came to us he had given up.

"Now he is a credit to himself and his family. He has been a joy to have at the centre and we will miss him."

Jonathan was presented with his award at the Rathbone centre by actors David Crellin and Julie Riley, who are appearing in Spring and Port Wine at the Octagon Theatre.

Jonathan's father Karl Vining, aged 43, said: "He's done really well. I'm stunned that he has got this award and it makes me very proud."

A host of other young people from Bolton were honoured at the ceremony.

Sam Grimes, aged 18, of Deane and Stuart Jones, aged 17, of Farnworth were awarded Bolton Achiever 2008.

Four teenagers picked up the Youth Choices Achiever 2008 award, They were Ben Hughes, aged 15, of Astley Bridge, Kyle Shipperbottom, aged 16, of Tonge Moor, Kaitlin Smith, aged 15, of Halliwell and Tom Wood, aged 15, of Bolton.

To find out more about Rathbone Bolton visit www.rathboneuk.org or telephone (01204) 368270.