A plumbing apprentice from Norwich has won a contest looking for the most talented young tradespeople.

Eastern Daily Press: Tony Iacovazzo, an apprentice with Anglia Gas Services and City College Norwich, has won a national apprentice award. Pictured with City College Norwich lecturer Tony Sandon. Picture: Rob Lacey/SNG PublishingTony Iacovazzo, an apprentice with Anglia Gas Services and City College Norwich, has won a national apprentice award. Pictured with City College Norwich lecturer Tony Sandon. Picture: Rob Lacey/SNG Publishing (Image: Rob Lacey)

Tony Iacovazzo, who works with Norwich-based Anglia Gas Services and trains with City College Norwich (CCN), has won this year's HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition.

The 20-year-old, from Brooke, came out on top after a close competition, which was held over two days in Cheltenham.

The eight finalists, who previously won their respective regional heats, had 10 hours to follow a diagram to install a toilet, two radiators, a boiler, shower and pump.

Mr Iacovazzo's victory saw him take home a cheque for £1,000, while CCN also received £1,000 for its plumbing department.

Eastern Daily Press: Tony Iacovazzo, an apprentice with Anglia Gas Services and City College Norwich, has won a national apprentice award. Picture: Rob Lacey/SNG PublishingTony Iacovazzo, an apprentice with Anglia Gas Services and City College Norwich, has won a national apprentice award. Picture: Rob Lacey/SNG Publishing (Image: Rob Lacey)

He said he 'could hardly believe it' when his name was read out, and added: 'The final was a lot harder than the regional heat. There was a couple of ridiculously hard bends. On the second day, I knew I was a little bit behind, so I knew I had to pick up the pace. I just did my best and I did it.'

Tony Sandon, CCN plumbing lecturer, said: 'Out of the eight finalists, four of them were a level above Tony. They were Level 3 apprentices, so they'd already had a year or even two years, more education.

'I'm immensely proud of him.'

Nigel Bales, director of Anglia Gas Services, said the firm was also proud of him, and 'really do appreciate what an asset he is to our small business'.