A turbine engineer from Norwich has spent the past year adding another skill to his resum� by qualifying as a chimney sweep.

Steve Bond, of Canfor Road, Rackheath, has passed his qualifications in Kent to become a member of the National Institute of Chimney Sweeps.

The 41-year-old now runs his business Broadland Sweep around his other job.

He said: 'It stared when I overheard a conversation about someone having to wait eight weeks to get a chimney sweep out. It was then I decided to do a course to get recognised.'

Mr Bond's business sees him not only cleaning out chimneys but also Aga cookers and woodburners.

'I love it,' he said. 'It is really good, meeting different types of people, and it is also nice to see a full bag of ash and soot.'

Mr Bond is also hoping to get the whole family on board by hiring himself out for weddings.

'It is meant to be lucky to have a chimney sweep at your wedding,' he explained

'I thought I could dress my boys up as Victorian street urchins so they could come and work with me.'

Mr Bond lives with his partner Jo Potter, 28, and their two boys Stanley, three, and Louie, five. He is also a parish councillor for Rackheath.

When asked if he was worried about the future of the trade he said: 'No. People are choosing to have chimneys and are reverting back by opening them up again.'

For more information about Broadland Sweep call 01603 720648.

Have you trained in an unusual or old-fashioned trade? Contact Local Life editor Donna Louise Bishop at donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk or call 01603 772438.