A CHIMNEY sweep fit for the 21st century aims to shake off the ‘Chim Chiminy’ Mary Poppins image of a sooty-faced man in rags.

Chester-raised John Baldacchino, who now lives in Frodsham, has just launched Wilkins Chimney Sweep – West Cheshire.

He will sweep chimneys, remove nests and fit cages, caps and cowls to the chimneys of homes and businesses from Northwich to Tarporley and from Warrington to Wrexham.

In a move aimed at giving peace of mind to his customers, especially the elderly, John is fully police checked.

Brought up in Lache Lane, Chester, he spent the past 20 years in the hospitality industry.

John said: ‘Being a chimney sweep is great; building a business by offering great service and making customers’ chimneys safe.’

On learning the skills of one of the oldest trades in the land, he added: “‘I’m really enjoying my new venture; chimney sweeping is not your ‘run of the mill’ profession but with the huge increase in energy prices and more people using open fires and wood-burners to heat their homes, we’ve seen a definite increase in trade and it made good business sense to be part of that trend.”

John received his training from Peter Harris, managing director of parent company Wilkins Chimney Sweep Ltd. Wilkins Chimney Sweep has been trading since 1895 in the Newbury area.

Franchise director at Wilkins Chimney Sweep Ltd, Louise Harris, said: “‘We are delighted to welcome John into the Wilkins Chimney Sweep family and wish him well with his new business.

“We pride ourselves on our professional approach to chimney sweeping and are looking forward to helping John build a successful business with full support from the team here in Newbury.”