At 48 years of age and approaching the end of a 32 year long career with Dorset Police I was becoming increasingly anxious about what turn in the road to take next for a job. I am someone who loves a system, a routine and a process. So, when I bought my first house with an open fire several years ago if you'd asked me then if I could ever see myself sweeping chimneys for a living I'd have died with laughter! The funny thing is when the Sweep came to perform his magic I was strangely drawn to the craft. It appeared to have the system, process, routine and also freedom of working for oneself.

I attended the prestigious National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) chimney sweeps training academy in Stafford, completed my training and invested in all of the kit. I currently conduct traditional and more modern technique rotary power sweeping of all solid fuel fires and multi fuel burners. I use the Snaplok system of power sweeping. I am proud to be the “Chimney Detective” in searching for and finding issues that may affect safety and protect from chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. I advise on and provide fitting of bird cowls, carbon monoxide alarms and flue temperature gauges to ensure burners are at their most efficient. I conduct CCTV inspections of flues and linings and provide relevant reports for conveyancing or any other formal survey work.

For the last two years I have been recognised by Three Best Rated as one of the top 3 chimney sweeps in Poole and am now fully accredited HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep following further professional development since my initial training.