ST HELENS College student, John Waltham has been named North West Young Plumber of the Year and will now go forward to represent the region in the national competition to compete for prize money of more than £1,000.

He said: "This is a great start to my career. I am delighted to have won the regional heat, and look forward to competing at the national competition in October".

The national competition takes place from October 22 to 26 at Galgorm Training Centre in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. David Sherry, chairman of sponsors, the UK Copper Board said: "The competition provides an excellent opportunity for young plumbers to demonstrate their copper skills. We are proud of our association with the event, which forms part of our educational programme to support established and young installers entering the industry and to promote professionalism".

The challenge, held annually since 1977, is aimed at trainee plumbers attending courses at colleges across England and Wales. It is organised by the British Plumbing Employers Council (Training) Ltd. (BPEC) and has been sponsored by the UK Copper Board for the last three years.