A Whitehaven car enthusiast has won a prestigious national restoration competition.

Paul Henley beat off competition from five other finalists to be named Practical Classics magazine’s Restorer of the Year. Following a public vote, Paul’s victory was announced at the Classic Car and Restoration Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Paul has won the award for his 20-year restoration of a 1974 Datsun 240Z to its former glory.

“I’m delighted that all these years of hard work has paid off with this award,” said Paul, 56. “I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me.”

Speaking to Practical Classics magazine, Paul said he’d always admired the Datsun 240Z growing up, and was finally able to buy one with a view to restoring it to its original specifications back in September 1998.

A “labour of love” took off for Paul, supported by sons Martyn and Luke, painstakingly restoring all aspects of the car’s bodywork, engine and gearbox, until it could finally complete its MOT and get back on the road last year.

Paul said: “Driving the car with either my wife or one of my sons in the passenger seat is a really great feeling.

“The car has been a large part of all of our lives for the past 20 years and it’s wonderful for them to see it finally reach completion.”