BORIS Johnson has congratulated a West Drayton business for helping young people to reach their potential.

The Mayor of London and MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip visited Fir Tree Motors Ltd on Horton Close to praise owner Thomas Tidiman for a successful apprenticeship scheme.

The auto garage’s three apprentices include Patrick Kennedy, 25, who has Asperger’s Syndrome and is flourishing in his new role.

Mr Tidiman, 29, said: “One of my main visions was to bring apprentices into the garage to help them fulfil their potential, and watch them grow into decent young individuals.

“All three of my apprentices have done amazingly well; I am just taken aback by the determination and ambition of Patrick to achieve despite his difficulties.”

He added: “I hope to one day expand the garage, get more premises and infuse a link between Fir Tree and the Autistic Spectrum where I can create more opportunities like I have done for Patrick.”

Mr Johnson met Mr Kennedy and also opened the garage's new MOT bay - after a bit of difficulty in cutting the robust ribbon.

He said: “It is a great pleasure to be supporting this local business, here in the very south of my constituency.

“Congratulations to Tom, to Patrick and everybody who uses Fir Tree Motors.”

Mr Tidiman took on Mr Kennedy after his mother Anna, founder of autism charity Anna Kennedy Online, asked if he would be able to work a few days a week to improve his social skills.

She said: “I am so proud of Patrick and what he has achieved in such a short amount of time.

“He has grown as a person and has improved skills and knowledge.

“There have been times that have been difficult, but he is continuing to do well and loves what he is doing.”

Fir Tree Motors was founded by Chris Middleton in 1979.