APPRENTICE plumber Charlotte Bailey has proved she s more than a match for the men after being named as one of the 12 top plumbers in the UK. The 22-year-old from Ramsey was runner-up in a regional heat to find the UK s Apprentice Plumber of the Year. She

APPRENTICE plumber Charlotte Bailey has proved she's more than a match for the men after being named as one of the 12 top plumbers in the UK.

The 22-year-old from Ramsey was runner-up in a regional heat to find the UK's Apprentice Plumber of the Year.

She is only of only two women training to be a plumber at Cambridge Regional College.

She works for Shelford Heating in Sawston and said she had always wanted to learn a trade.

"I couldn't sit in an office all day. I wanted to do something different and I love being a plumber."

Charlotte just missed out on the top slot and a place in the final after a rigorous four-hour practical test at the Midlands heat in Leicester.

The young apprentice, one of 73 plumbing trainees at CRC, competed against 30 of the region's top plumbing apprentices in her bid to reach the final.

Paul Harbinson, who teaches plumbing at the college, said: "Charlotte did an excellent job in the contest.

"Charlotte was chosen to represent the college because of her commitment and her skill. She is very conscientious, works hard and was a credit to herself and the college in the competition. We are very proud of her."

Her boss, Mike Powell, said Charlotte was an absolute star. "She loves her work and does an excellent job. She's been working here for four years and is very knowledgeable, but always wants to learn more and improve her skills."

The competition was sponsored by Plumbfix, who donated hundreds of tools and materials to use in the event. Each competitor from the six country-wide heats went home with a bag of tools worth around �100.