Public support has sent a Sidmouth plumber into the final of a national competition.

Mark Wakely, who works for Fords of Sidmouth, has secured one of the five top spots in the UK Plumber of the Year competition.

The 24-year-old is the only tradesman from Devon to make the final on Wednesday, August 31, and has thanked the local community for voting him through to the final round.

Mark said: “I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me. I’m overwhelmed at the level of support and looking forward, albeit nervously, to the final.”

For his final test, the Honiton resident will have to present to a panel of three in a bid to claim the title. The winner will be announced next Wednesday.

Mark was shortlisted in a list of 15 for his work on Belmont House in Lyme Regis.

The Grade II listed building was a ‘complex project’ as it required the plumber to install a modern heating system inside the 18th century property.

Tim Ford, Director at Fords, said: “We’re thrilled for Mark and proud of his achievement to be in the last five. He deserves to win this competition and we wish him all the best with the final challenging stage.”