A MANAGEMENT accountant with a Belvedere agro-chemical company has been judged one of the top young employees in the south east.

David Hayden, 25, who works for Nufarm UK, in Crabtree Manorway North, reached the last eight in the regional final of chemical industry competition to find the industry's young person of the year.

Since the industry employs more than 250,000 people, David's boss Mick Lunn says reaching the regional final is a considerable achievement.

At the finals, David had to give a presentation on the chemical industry, produce a 500-word essay on a relevant topic and complete a general knowledge quiz.

The finalists were assessed on various qualities including leadership skills, potential, good humour and performance in the job. David also works as a volunteer in a local gym for young people. David, who joined the company as a trainee in 1995 and who lives in Abbey Wood, was presented with a 'highly commended' certificate and a cheque for £50.