Cobbler David Lee has returned from a world shoe repairing competition with Britain’s first ever bronze medal.

He impressed judges at the Shoe Service Institute of America (SSIA) World Cup on board the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California.

After beating off competition from Italy, France and Sweden among others, David said: “I want to thank my family for making it possible for me to go to this great event.”

David, who was shop manager at Quality Shoe Repairs, Regent Street, Mansfield, for 8½ years, is opening his own business in Sutton, DL Shoe Art “The Cobbler” on Outram Street, on Saturday, 5th August.

For the world competition, David had to repair one shoe of a pair of men’s Goodyear welted, Blake Stitched (McKayed or inside stitched) or cemented shoes with a new leather half-sole and a new heel, and restore the upper.

He also had to repair one shoe of a pair of ladies’ high-heeled pumps with a new leather half sole and a new heel and restore the upper.

David, of Mansfield, added: “I would like to thank all the staff at the SSIA for welcoming me as one of the family.

“I met up with some great people and everyone made me feel like I was one of them.

“I want to thank God for putting me on this path. It has not been easy at all and I have had to work hard, but it shows if you put your trust and faith in him nothing is impossible.”

Last year the NewsJournal reported how David came fifth overall in the JR Shoe Repairer Of The Year competition and was the best in the East Midlands.