A new employee has been added to the staff of a Tenterden firm – and he doesn’t demand a wage and keeps quiet about working conditions.

Fred the Polypipe man has taken up residence outside JBS Ltd (Johnston Building Supplies) on Leigh Green Industrial Estate, Appledore Road.

Dressed in a hi-vis jacket, ear defenders and a black wig, staff at the plumbing, bathroom and building equipment firm created him from Polypipe to draw attention to the business.

And already he has had his 15 minutes of fame with passing drivers hooting their horns and some stopping to be photographed with him.

Director Robin Johnston said: “We have been here for three years and two months and I am amazed at the number of people who said they did not know we were here.

“We stock Polypipe so decided to create Fred to try and get some passing trade. As we sell health and safety wear, we have dressed him up in a hi-vis jacket and ear defenders.

“It is just a bit of fun – the staff say good night to him as they leave.”

The firm supplies both the trade and domestic customers and has a showroom of over 30 bathroom suites.

For more information, go to www.jbstenterden.co.uk.