A Fords tradesman is in contention to be named the country’s Plumber of the Year - but he needs the public’s support.

Mark Wakely has reached the top 15 in the national competition after impressing judges with his work on Belmont House in Lyme Regis.

The 24-year-old now needs votes to secure one of the five places available in the final stage.

He has been selected for his work on the ‘complex’ project to install a new modern heating system inside the Grade II listed building

The 18th century build was once home to author John Fowles, writer of The French Lieutenant’s Woman. The building which is run by the Landmark Trust has also won a prestigious conservation award.

Mark, who lives in Honiton, said: “It was a privilege to work on the Belmont House restoration. It’s not often that plumbers have the opportunity to work on such an interesting and complex project. It’s the icing on the cake to have reached the final 15 in this competition on the back of that.

“Now I’m through to the final 15, it would be fantastic to make it to the final five. I feel awkward asking the public but please vote for me.”

A Fords spokesman said: “We’re delighted for Mark and very proud of him. His workmanship at Belmont House, which won the SW Award for Conservation, was outstanding. It was an amazing achievement given the confined space he had to work in and the restrictions presented by an historic building. Mark truly deserves this award and we hope he makes it through to the final five.”

The voting will close on Sunday, August 14. To vote visit: www.ukplumberoftheyear.com