MEET Christopher, who has been shortlisted to win the prestigious UK Plumber of the Year Award.

Christopher Clare from Newton-le-Willows, who owns Urban Marmalade, is one of ten in the running to win the competition aims to find the nation’s top plumbing talent.

The 45-year-old has worked in the industry for seven years, all of which he has been self-employed.

To get to the next stage, the public need to vote for their favourite.

Then the five plumbers with the most votes will be invited to an interview session with the judging panel made up of experts who will then decide the overall winner.

The UK Plumber of the Year 2019 will win £15,000 worth of prizes, including products and vouchers.

Christopher, founder of Urban Marmalade, said: “It’s an amazing feeling to have made the shortlist for Plumber of the Year.

"I’ve been self-employed my whole career so to get this level of recognition, I feel really proud of myself and my company.”

John Schofield, sales and marketing director of JT, added: “Congratulations to Christopher.

"We were particularly impressed with his stellar efforts to always go the extra mile for his client.

"We wish him the best of luck in the competition.”