A DECORATOR from Bolton has had a brush with success after making it to the finals of a national competition.

Mark Rigby has been announced as a finalist in the Dulux Trade Ultimate Professional Decorator Awards.

Mr Rigby, aged 49, of Horwich, has been shortlisted for the nationwide competition by Dulux as part of its annual campaign to recognise the UK’s most professional decorators.

The Ultimate Professional Awards have seen homeowners across the UK nominate local painters and decorators who they felt embodied excellent service and consistently delivered high quality, professional workmanship.

Mr Rigby, who has over thirty years’ experience in the trade, will now go through to the final stage of the competition, where he will compete against nine other finalists for the title of the UK’s Ultimate Professional Decorator.

He said: "It's a great feeling. It's 30 years since I became self-employed, so to get through to the final in this of all years and to be recognised by a brand like Dulux makes it extra special.

"It's going to be very tough because there are some great decorators out there, but I'm feeling confident."

Samantha Balloch, marketing manager for Dulux Trade, commented: “Over the years, Mark has become a friendly face to his customers, often working weekends to ensure the job is complete and has even shovelled snow off drives and looked after his customers’ pets. He is always going over and above to ensure everything he does is to the highest standard so it is great to be able to declare him a finalist at the Ultimate Professional Decorator Awards.”

The final awards ceremony will take place in Birmingham later this month, when the overall winner will be announced from the 10 shortlisted entries.

In recognition of their achievement, the overall winner will receive the Ultimate Prize – either VIP tickets to a sporting event or a luxury spa experience.

For more details of Dulux Trade’s search for the UK’s Ultimate Professional Decorator, go to www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/ultimate.