A WAR veteran who was inspired to train as a plumber after seeing the problems arising from poor sanitation in Iraq has launched his own company.

Craig Greenaway from Old Hall has set up CRG Plumbing in partnership with the Trades Brigade and with the support of The Poppy Factory – a charity that helps ex-servicemen and women find rewarding employment.

It was while serving in the Mercian Regiment and performing a peace keeping role in Iraq with 1 Kings Battalion that Craig first thought of starting his own business.

He said "When I was out in Iraq I saw some of the problems that arise from poor water sanitation issues.

"I have family connections in the plumbing industry and when I had to leave the army in 2008 to look after my children after serving for nearly eight years I needed to find a career which I enjoyed.

"I also need to find a job that allowed me to balance looking after my partner and children and earning a living.

"I have retrained as a plumber by going to college as well as hands on practical work by helping my father in law in his business.”

Craig's dream of opening his own business would not have been possible without the support he has received along the way.

Craig added: "I couldn’t have done this without the help of The Poppy Factory’s Getting You Back to Work Team and the Armed Forces Hub at the Gateway Centre in Warrington.

"Without the employment and welfare support I received from both organisations, I would not be as far down the path as I am today.

"I also received grant funding for a website and marketing materials through the Golden Gates Housing Trust and Upturn Enterprise”

"Working together with the Trades Brigade, the team will help me build my own business but under the banner of a national ex-military brand."

Craig hopes to be able to give something back to the people of Iraq after he has established his business.

To book Craig for a job visit tradesbrigade.co.uk/crg-plumbing.