A MASSEUR from a Malvern spa has won a prestigious national award.

Bandara Pathmasiri, who joined Bank House Hotel's Malvern View Spa last month, competed in the National Massage Championships and was named the outright winner by a panel of judges.

He said: “It’s an amazing feeling to have won this competition, especially as I was competing against some incredibly talented massage therapists.

“I have complete confidence in the treatments that I practice and the benefits to the recipient, but to know that industry experts have judged my work and have said it was worthy of winning the entire competition is a bit surreal.”

READ MORE: Malvern remainers head to London for protest march

Having competed at the World Massage Championships in June in Copenhagen, Mr Pathmasiri said felt prepared going into the UK Championships, adding: “After only narrowly missing out on a medal at the World Massage Championships in June, I felt confident going into this event, but I still never really expected to win.

“While individual recognition is fantastic, my passion is giving great treatments and seeing my clients benefiting from them. I can’t wait to get back to work at the Malvern View Spa and show everyone how great this particular massage is.”

Born to a Buddhist family in Sri Lanka and spending time as a Buddhist monk before completing various hair, beauty and body qualifications, Bandara has worked in some of the best spas around the world, including Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand and in the UK, being recruited to the spa at the Bank House Hotel by Spa Manager, Tracy Whelan.