A YOUNG plumber from the North-East has a promising career in the pipeline after picking up a regional award.

Lee Mentier, 21, from Marske, east Cleveland, started training in August 1999 after landing an apprenticeship with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's housing and direct services department.

Now he is busy carrying out plumbing and heating work on behalf of the council and spends one day a week at Redcar and Cleveland College. He has gained a National Vocational Qualification level two in plumbing and heating and is already on the way to level three.

Lee is also working towards an Accredited Certificate Scheme qualification, which will enable him to carry out gas work.

Lee's tutors at the college were impressed with his work and portfolio, and decided to put him forward for the Joint Industry Board Wilkinson Shield for the North-East plumbing trainee of the year