AN 18-year-old college student has been named runnerup apprentice plumber of the year.

Worcester College of Technology student Sam Love beat hundreds of other entrants from up and down the country to finish second in the live national final of HIP! Magazine UK Apprentice Plumber of the Year 2010.

It is the second year running that the college has had a student reach the final of the competition.

In the final, Sam and the other regional winners had to prove they had the best plumbing skills in a series of head-to-head challenges.

Mike Hencher, lecturer on the plumbing course, said: “Sam has had a few ups and downs since starting the course but has remained focused, worked hard and is achieving a high standard of work. It is such a great accomplishment for him.”

Along with a runner-up trophy, Sam also won a £300 drill set.