Talented Leighton Buzzard tradesman wins Carpet Fitter of the Year 2018

John Wright, 44, of John Wright Carpets and Flooring, beat hundreds of other entrants when he was crowned the winner on September 17.

The tough competition, which can only be won once, was held over two days at The Flooring Show, Harrogate, and the pressure was on as visitors flocked through the doors to watch John and the five other finalists in action.

John said: “It was really, really good. I mean, it was crazy busy and there were a good bunch of people in the final.

“On the first day, I had to do a carpet on a split landing with stairs coming from both sides. That was quite awkward and took a bit of concentration.

“On the second day, I also had to put a matwell in. You’re trying to get everything 100 per cent to get it perfect.

“I finished the tasks at half past two and then you wait a couple of hours before the announcement - it was the longest two hours of our lives!”

As well as the honour of winning the title, John has been given an engraved tool box and tools and a £2,000 cash prize.

The modest tradesman also has several admirers in the flooring industry, with fitters from Letchworth, Newcastle, Liverpool and Preston coming to watch him at work.

John said: “I was numb, absolutely numb, I didn’t expect to win; the competition was so close and you’re with the best carpet fitters in the UK. Tracey [John’s partner] went crazy and was on the phone to the kids and they were screaming!”

John will be printing the new title on his work van and has set a new goal: to become a carpet fitting instructor.