Plumbing - Brit named top French plumber

30/08/2007

Oliver Watson - a Manchester-based plumber - has won a competition to find the best apprentice in France.

The 26-year-old has dual citizenship and underwent training in traditional plumbing techniques while living in the country.

"I met a plumber who gave me a start and took me on as an apprentice. I loved it from day one and never looked back," he explained to the Guardian

After moving back to the UK, he entered the competition via post and as the only information the judges have about him is a competition number, it is thought that the panel are yet to realise he's based in England.

Mr Watson is now set to meet French president Nicolas Sarkozy at an awards ceremony in Paris which is due to be held in September.

However, the plumber states that he doesn't intend to keep Mr Sarkozy in the dark about his country of origin.

"When I'm shaking hands with Sarkozy I'm going to say: 'I'm an English lad, you know'," he told the Manchester Evening News.