A plumber has been awarded a top prize at the Asian Apprentice Awards.

Muzamal Ishfaq, 18 who attends Blackburn College scooped the award as he nears the end of his Apprenticeship with Ash’s Plumbing and Heating Services.

His professional approach and attitude to his Apprenticeship saw him collect his award at a ceremony held at the Holiday Inn in Birmingham.

The former Witton Park High School student, was selected out of a large number of entries for the commitment he has shown to his employer and his Apprenticeship in the Construction category.

Muzamal said: “I felt very surprised when I heard I had won. When I entered the competition and saw how many people I was up against, I didn’t think I stood a chance.

“Much to my surprise, I came out on top and would like to thank my Dad, as well as my tutors at Blackburn College for putting a lot of effort and time into tutoring me. Without them, I would never have won this.”

Apprenticeships are a route into training and work in which the Asian community is underrepresented.