A Scottish heating engineer is celebrating after reaching the semi-finals of a national plumbing competition.
David Beresford, 24, who works for James Frew, was selected from more than 40 apprentices at North Glasgow College to attend the SkillPIPE event in Leeds College.

The Saltcoats man battled it out against 16 competitors from around the country taking part in tests of their pipefitting and welding skills, along with theoretical knowledge.

Although Beresford did not make it through to the finals, the organiser praised him for his 'high levels of skill and professionalism'. They said that despite an extremely competitive environment, he showed a high level of maturity.

'I enjoyed taking part and there were a few familiar faces there who had been at other competitions I have attended,' said Beresford.

'David did really well to reach the semi-finals and we are very proud of him,' said James Frew managing director Roddy Frew.

'He is a real star and was second in the Scottish Craft Apprentice of the Year Awards.

'It is nice to watch his progress from a first year apprentice with us to a time-served tradesman and he is a real asset to the company.'

James Frew is a family-owned business, with its headquarters in Stevenston, Ayrshire. The company employs more than 200 people and offers integrated building services including plumbing, heating, mechanical services, gas maintenance and property upgrades for public and private sectors including design, installation and maintenance.