AFTER 22 years in the army, a new career as chimney sweep was not the most obvious for former Sergeant Major Glenn Howat.

Glenn had no idea that a new life as a sweep beckoned until he tried to find a certified chimney sweep to carry out work at his home at The Pludds.

He said: "There was a wait of two or three months and so I thought there may be a gap in the market."

Since leaving the army earlier this year Glenn has spent around £20,000 on training and equipment. He is a member of the Guild of Master Sweeps and certified with Heatas, the official body for approving domestic solid fuel installations.

Glenn said: "It is a strange thing to do – my wife asked me why I couldn't get a normal job but she's supported me all the way."

Glenn joined the Royal Corps of Transport as a driver in 1992 and also served in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal regiment.

He had several stints based at Ashchurch near Tewkesbury where he and wife Sharon developed a love of Gloucestershire.

He added: "We used to come to the Forest a lot because we liked it so much and we thought it would be a great place to live."