A British chimney sweep got the shock of his life this week — with a booking from BRAZIL.
The curious call landed after Mr Soot Chimney Sweep’s advertising boards were spotted behind Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham during his stunning by-election victory speech.
The HETAS approved company, which covers Wigan, Manchester, Liverpool, Stockport, Preston and Warrington, sponsors Ashton Town FC — the modest non-league ground Burnham chose to deliver his victory address after romping home with 55 per cent of the vote in the Makerfield by-election.
As cameras rolled and footage of the speech was beamed around the world, the firm’s perimeter advertising boards were caught clearly in shot behind the soon-to-be British Premier.
Within hours, the calls started — and one in particular left staff lost for words.
“We had a call from someone in Brazil asking about our chimney sweep services,” said David, founder of Mr Soot.
“Chimney sweeps aren’t exactly common out there, so that one really threw us. We had to ask twice if we’d heard right.”
It wasn’t the only surprise. Someone from Dublin rang. So did two from London. And amid the international curiosity, the firm says it also picked up genuine bookings a little closer to home.
“As a Makerfield lad born and bred, I spent a large part of my childhood watching Ashton Town.
“So it’s now nice to give something back and help support a really important part of our community.
”We started three years ago with ground advertising and this year we’ve become a shirt sponsor.
”The whole set up at Ashton Town is very professional so it’s no surprise that they’re now attracting the big names.
“You sponsor a local football club hoping a few more people in the area might see your logo,
“You don’t expect a result that’s all over the national news to end with someone in Brazil on the phone asking about your chimney sweep services.”
Burnham’s by-election win marks one of the most dramatic political comebacks in recent memory.
Mr Soot’s brush with Brazilian fame? Almost as unexpected.
