A WEE County bricklayer is one of the UK's best tradespeople.

Tillicoultry man Richie Maxwell is one of 11 national finalists in the Britain's Top Tradesperson 2016 competition and is in for a chance to win prizes worth £32,000.

More than 6000 people entered, but less than a dozen professionals have been selected to battle it out at Wembley Stadium in the national final on July 14.

Richie, 30 and owner of RDM Elite Builders Ltd, thinks his high standards and attention to detail, as well as great levels of customer service, will help him stand out from the crowd.

He said: “To get through to the national final of Britain’s Top Tradesperson is amazing.

“I’ve always wanted to work in the trade, ever since I was a young lad, and have worked hard to deliver the best levels of service and skill since then, so it is great to receive this recognition for my efforts and commitment to my customers.

“I’m really looking forward to the final.”

The local man is hoping for the best and has the chance to win a brand new Toyota Hilux pick-up or a PROACE van, worth £32,000.

Richie added: “With so many entries to the competition, even making the final of Britain’s Top Tradesperson is an honour. I hope that I can impress the judges in July.”

The judging panel includes representatives from organisers Screwfix, The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and electrical trade body NICEIC.

John Mewett, marketing director at Screwfix, said: “It is a privilege to be able to highlight the great work that is being done up and down the country with Britain’s Top Tradesperson and we’re proud to be running the competition for the seventh year.

“This year we have had a record number of entries and we have heard so many impressive stories of exceptional workmanship and great customer service along the way.

“Richie and all our finalists have demonstrated their willingness to go the extra mile to get the job done and it’s certainly not going to be an easy task to pick the winner.”