A pioneering exchange scheme in Rotherham is helping plumbers from the UK and France learn valuable new skills.

The local Star newspaper has reported that two young French plumbing apprentices have come over to the UK to learn new skills.

According to the report, the two apprentices, from Nancy in the Lorraine region of north-eastern France, are already "getting stuck in repairing leaks, unblocking drains, and helping installing central heating" in local council houses in the area.

Paul Ruston, from the 2010 Rotherham organisation, explained to the paper that the exchange would also help UK plumbers develop their own skills.

"We think it has been beneficial for both the French apprentices and our own employees to see the difference in skills," he said.

"Our workers have really engaged with the French apprentices and I hope we can all learn from each other."

In total, ten young French plumbers will take part in the exchange programme.