A YOUNG plumbing apprentice from Okehampton has scooped a gold medal in a prestigious national competition. Simon Moys swept the board at the recent national final of the BPEC Plumbing Skills Competition in the pipework section. Simon, 20, is an apprentice with family business Lymath and Moys Ltd at Beaworthy, and studies at North Devon College. The competition, sponsored by Plumbase, saw 63 colleges enter and was divided into two disciplines: pipework and sheet leadwork. Simon said his determination to succeed was largely encouraged by his employer ? and father ?David Moys: ?My dad?s a perfectionist and he expects nothing less than the best. I?ve always taken great pride in my work, but the BPEC competition gave me the chance to prove myself. It just shows what you can do when you put your mind to it.? Having entered the competition and narrowly missed winning in two previous years, Simon was delighted to take home a medal. ?I really didn?t expect to win, but I was really happy when the results were read out ? and so was my dad! ?I?d recommend to any young apprentice to get involved in next year?s competition, it makes you aware of the finer details of your job, and ultimately that?s going to make you a better plumber.? Simon was rewarded with a BPEC Plumbing Skills 2005 gold medal and a cheque for £750, by UK Copper Board. In addition, he received an award from the Worshipful Company of Plumbers, including a further £200. Fellow North Devon College student Byryn Heywood also triumphed in the sheet leadwork category. Each of the winners was presented with £100 worth of credit towards tools from their local Plumbase branch in Barnstaple, which Simon chose to use to take home a selection of fittings. Simon qualified for the national finals after winning the regional heat at Swindon College in June.