ONE of the biggest, most thrilling trade competitions in the UK is coming to York next Tuesday.

Plumbers, painters, bricklayers, carpenters and other tradesmen will compete for a chance to win an Aston Martin V8 Vantage in the Irwin Tools’ Ultimate Tradesman Challenge 2010, at Howarth Timber and Building Supplies in Leeman Road from 8.30am to 4pm.

Entrants must race against the clock to complete a specially-prepared challenge that involves cutting, clamping, marking, measuring and drilling using the company’s tools.

The fastest competitor on the day will qualify for the glittering UTC grand final at Interbuild at Birmingham’s NEC in October – and the chance to drive home the stunning Aston Martin.

Paul Jakeway, trade marketing manager at Irwin, said: “We are keen to see what York’s tradesmen are capable of when the UTC hits the city. The first Ultimate Tradesman Challenge was a great success and really captured the imagination of the industry.

“Not only will we be giving away more prizes than before, but we’ll be using some of our brand new and most innovative tools, so those people that really honed their skills in last year’s challenge won’t necessarily have an advantage when battling for the amazing Aston Martin V8 Vantage.”

The IRWIN Tools’ Ultimate Tradesman Challenge 2010 builds on the phenomenal success of last year’s contest, which saw more than 4,000 contestants at more than 70 events take part, demonstrating their skills and vying for a chance to win a Porsche sports car. The Ultimate Tradesman Challenge 2010 will coincide with the launch of an Apprentice Tradesman Challenge, a separate competition for apprentice tradespeople and students. It will run alongside the UTC at major tradeshows and merchant events all over the UK, while further heats will also be held at seven major construction colleges, before culminating in a two day finals event at Toolfair Sandown Park, between November 30 and December 1 this year.

For more information on the Ultimate Tradesman Challenge, including details of upcoming event locations, visit www.irwinchallenge.co.uk The 2009 champion was carpenter and kitchen fitter Rob Guyll, of Yarm, with a record breaking time of 25.90 seconds.