On average, for a standard chimney sweep, you can expect to pay between £60 to £90. However, for more complex jobs or for chimneys that haven't been cleaned in a long time, the price can rise to around £100 to £120. Get a few quotes from different chimney sweepers to ensure you're getting a fair price.

How often should you clean your chimney? Both the NFPA and Spisto recommend getting your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year by a qualified professional. Carli says that regardless of chimney type, you should you have your chimney swept at least one time a year.

Your initial investment is £13,100 plus VAT and it is possible to borrow up to 70% of this initial investment through the major high street banks that have endorsed the Wilkins Chimney Sweep model.

The tradition of Chimney Sweeps kissing the bride and shaking the groom's hand for good luck started about 200 years ago after a London chimney sweep saved the life of King George III.