HANDYMAN Alan Duckworth has been named Lancashire's favourite plumber after satisfied customers sang his praises in a nationwide competition.

Alan, 53, of Applecross Drive, Burnley, is now in with the chance of winning a luxury sunshine holiday in Sun City, South Africa, after clinching the county title.

Alan's customers nominated him as their favourite plumber and the man they would call on to deal with bursts, blocked pipes and other plumbing work.

The awards, run by the Institute of Plumbing, are designed to recognise the best of the country's professional plumbers.

Today a delighted Alan said: "You've got to be devoted to the job and you've got to have the right manner with customers, treat them with respect and put yourself out for them. And you've always got to have a smile on your face." Alan, who became a plumber's apprentice after leaving what was Rosegrove Secondary Modern School in 1961, added: "I was absolutely overwhelmed when I was told I'd won the Lancashire round. It's a great honour to win something like this.

"I love my job and I give it everything. The greatest thing would be to have a certificate on the wall saying Britain's favourite plumber. That would be better than anything, even the trip to South Africa."

More than 900 nominations from across Britain were put forward to the judges who interviewed the short-listed candidates before making their decision.

Alan, who thanked everyone who put his name forward, goes on to the North West regional round and the national winner will be announced in the spring.

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