A Fords of Sidmouth tradesman has thanked residents for their support in his bid to be named Plumber of the Year.

Mark Wakely made the final five of the competition last week, but was beaten to the title by Shaun Scott, from Aberdeenshire.

Judges praised the 24-year-old for gaining his qualification at a young age and for his standard of work.

Mark, from Honiton, said it was an ‘honour’ to have reached the final: “I’d like to thank everyone who encouraged me to apply, voted for me in the public voting stage and supported me through the process.”

Tim Ford, director at Fords, added: “We’re very proud of Mark for getting to the final, and receiving the recognition he so rightly deserved for his fine work on the restoration of The Landmark Trust’s property Belmont House.”