The 26-year-old first scooped the title of St Leger Homes' overall apprentice of the year.

And then he followed up by sinking the region's opposition.

Now Alan's on tap to be the best young plumber in Britain – by attending a national final at the Tower of London next February.

There he will compete against nine other regional winners for training provider JTL's title of Best Apprentice of 2008.

Alan is a former pupil of Bentley New Village and Don Valley High School, and his parents David and Barbara live at The Avenue.

After leaving school, he worked at a builders' merchants, only taking up his plumbing apprenticeship, which included studies at Doncaster College, at the age of 20.

He put his success down to "being keen and really enjoying my work" adding : "It's a real honour to be the region's top apprentice and qualify to attend the national awards next year.

"I can't thank my employer enough."

His dad, David Potterton, said: "It's a great achievement to win and I'm delighted with Alan's success. He has worked very hard and been determined to complete his training to the highest standards.

His manager at St Leger Homes, Mark Brown, said: "Alan has a great outlook on life and a very positive attitude.

"His time keeping is impeccable; he always completes tasks set within timescales and never complains. If there is a problem, he relishes the challenge and enjoys finding solutions. He is an asset and ambassador to St Leger Homes."

And St Leger's interim chief executive, Colin Mayhead added: "Alan has done really well and we are very proud of him. He is a great asset to the company".