ANDREW Walsh left school with no qualifications but now, at the age of 38, he has won a top award for his studies.

He was selected from 250 apprentice plumbers at Oxford and Cherwell College as showing the most commitment to study and producing the best work.

His employer, Dave Messenger of family business Darnells, based in Eynsham, said: “He came to us as a van driver and when he said he wanted to do plumbing, he had to go back to college for three years. I think he should be proud. We certainly are.”

Mr Walsh said he had drifted in a series of short-term jobs, with several spells of unemployment. He added: “I'm grateful to Darnells. I don’t think anyone else would have taken me on at 35.”