AN Ainsworth-based independent financial adviser can certainly count himself among the elite.

For Michael Norris has reached a level of excellence in an exam which was previously achieved by only one other person in the country.

Michael has gained an outstanding result in the Chartered Insurance Institute's recent examinations.

He has passed the retirement options (K10) exam with a distinction and achieved a level of excellence held only by one other person.

Less than 0.5 per cent of all financial advisers have the K10 qualification and it's expected only a handful will be awarded a distinction.

The examination covers the full spectrum of advice on pension options at retirement for employees, business owners and the self-employed.

Michael is a partner of Professionally Connected Financial Planning, a small firm of fee-based independent advisers which has offices in Brookfield Avenue, Ainsworth, and Lostock.

He is also an Associate of the Society of Financial Advisers, the financial services arm of the Chartered Insurance Institute. Associate status is granted only through passing six tough examinations.

Michael (37), launched his own company with his business partner in February 1999. He has spent 17 years in the financial advisory sector and before setting up on his own worked for Bury-based Woodcock and Sons.