Talented Keith Kelly, 21, of Hockliffe Road, who studies at Barnfield College, Luton, will be competing in a four-man British team in the IT event.

EuroSkills is a new, pan-European skills competition which will be held from September 18 to 20 in Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.

Twenty eight countries will be competing in 28 different competitions covering 46 vocational skills, including IT, cooking, fashion, cleaning, automobile technology and hairdressing. Each team will face a tough three days of competition at the event, watched by an expected 50,000 spectators.

To achieve a place on the team, Keith had to first prove himself to the UK judges and compete at an intense two-day selection competition in Warwickshire and Leicestershire.

Keith said: “The selection competition was tough, but I knew that I had the ability to be able to win a place. I have already been training hard to get this far and I know there is lots more to come but I’m really excited about it. To be able to represent the country and my industry, at an event which showcases the best of Europe is a great feeling. I hope I will do everyone proud.”

Simon Bartley, Chief Executive of UK Skills, said: “Keith has certainly earned the right to be on this team. Every member has already proved that they have what it takes but the next five months, in the run up to the event, are fundamentally important. This is the time when the team will need to perfect their technical skills and prepare themselves for competing under tough conditions. I very much look forward to seeing them perform well in September.”