Look out Mr Martin, here comes Toby, 15

Toby Kheng has become one of the youngest "landlords" in the country ­ even though he won't be able to take up his post behind the bar for another three years.

The schoolboy, from Lincoln-shire, passed the BII National Certificate for Licensees at the age of 15 during the summer holidays at the Kai's bar in Louth.

The high-flyer now has ambitions of building up his own empire of style bars ­ after he has finished his A Levels, that is.

He was inspired to make a career from the pub trade by his father, Michael, who runs seven outlets as part of Kurnia Intertrade in Lincolnshire.

Toby said: "I've been interested in the running and owning of bars since I was little.

My favourite part of doing the NCL was learning the laws you need to know to run a business.

"To be a success, you also need to know how to be able to sell to the public over the bar, and how to entice them in to spend their money.

When I'm older I'd like a couple of modern bars in London ­ but if I had the chance to grow an empire I'd take it!"

He now plans to complete a Modern Apprenticeship at one of his father's venues, before branching out on his own.

His success has delighted BII chief executive John McNamara, who is embarking on a drive to boost the career image of pubs among young people and to convince them that it can be much more than just a part-time holiday option.

McNamara said: "Toby is one of the youngest ever to achieve a pass mark.

This is a very impressive achievement and one that clearly marks him out as a key player in the pub industry of tomorrow.

"The BII is keen to encourage other young people to follow Toby's excellent example and take up a career in the pub trade, which offers outstanding opportunities for school and college-leavers.