Peter the Plumber does not overcharge

Peter armed with his plunger and toolbox saves mums and dads from domestic chaos - all without overcharging, presenting a thoroughly positive image to readers.

It is hoped that the cheery character being promoted through schools could help solve the UK shortage of skilled plumbers.

At present, there are an estimated 29,000 extra plumbers needed in the UK.

University challenged

But with more and more youngsters going on to further education, the British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEG) the backers of Peter admit that the average age of plumbers is on the increase.

Alarmingly the skills of those willing to enter the trade are questionable as the numbers passing the trade NVQs has been falling for a decade.

"The aim is two-fold," BPEC spokesman Paul Johnson told BBC News Online.

"We have to compete hard for quality youngsters and improve the image of the trade."

The Peter the Plumber book is aimed at children aged between five and seven, and is to be used in the national curriculum literacy hour in schools.

Children in the seven-to-11 year old age group can enjoy reading the adventures of Hanif the Plumber.

The books explore the role of plumbing in every day life - and warn of the dangers of do-it-yourself work that goes wrong.