Former paratrooper John White's decision to launch a Drain Doctor Plumbing business covering North Glasgow has proved a winner after he was named most progressive new franchisee at the national group's annual convention.

Group founder and chairman Freddie Mitman presented John with his trophy at a gala awards night at the Hilton Dunblane Hydro.

John, who lives in Paisley, launched his franchise with just two vans last May after working for a Glasgow-based drainage and civil engineering company. He aims to build a team of technicians to carry his service throughout the Milngavie, Cumbernauld, Clydebank, Helensburgh, Bearsden and Dunoon areas.

"John is on target to achieve 200,000 turnover in his first year," said Freddie Mitman. "He is really committed to the Drain Doctor ethos of providing exceptional standards of customer service and he is on course to build a multi-van business."

John added: "Drain Doctor Plumbing is successful because it provides a 24-hour service including high-pressure jetting, 'no-dig' drain re-linings and closed circuit camera surveys and is specifically designed to provide a rapid, reliable response to the needs of residential and business property occupiers."

Drain Doctor Plumbing has enjoyed rapid growth since being founded in 1993 and now has over 100 franchise areas covering the UK and the Republic of Ireland.