A DIY expert has bemoaned the trend that has seen fewer people in younger generations learn basic home improvement skills, such as the expertise taught on plumbing courses.

Jason Orme, editor of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, explained that a consumer culture has emerged in which people simply buy a new boiler if their current one breaks.

He said it is a shame that the notion of attempting to fix a machine has all but disappeared, with the abilities learned on plumbing courses and other vocational training programmes not held by many modern Brits.

"There is no question that many young people don't tend to have those basic DIY maintenance skills any more and it is disappointing," remarked Mr Orme.

In his opinion, it is not just complex projects that individuals fail to tackle, but simple tasks around the house as well.

Mr Orme's comments were made in response to research by Saga, which indicated that the over-50s are more likely to attempt DIY tasks than adults under 35.

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