Congratulations to former Bishop Barrington student, 21-year-old Christopher Lonsdale, who was crowned best plumber in the UK earlier last month (November).

Christopher, who works for B-Warm Ltd, beat nine other contestants from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, to take the title at the finals of the SkillPLUMB awards, organised by SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for building services engineering.

He faced a series of demanding tests, based on real-life work situations, during the practical skills competition, including installing pipe work, valves and jointing to a high specification, and within tight timescales.

Christopher said: “The competitions have been a great experience and the team spirit has been amazing.”

After leaving Bishop Barrington School in 2003, he studied for his plumbing apprenticeship at New College in Durham. He was honoured by the college at a presentation on Monday, November 10, where former teachers and Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods congratulated him on his success.

Christopher’s other accolades include North East Apprentice of the Year. He also competed in the National Finals for Lead Work in 2006 and 2007, and won the Apprentice of the Year in the copper pipe work category 2008.

His younger brother, Craig, who left our school this summer, gained 13 GCSEs including one A* grade, three A grades, three B grades.

Christopher Lonsdale pictured with his trophy.