THE BEST job in the world is held by a man from Glasllwch, Newport.

This is an official Busin-ess Argus title and completely unscientific. Richard Tilley is about to sail to Monaco to deliver a 135ft luxury yacht.

The 24-year-old does this regularly because he's the head of the warranty and after-sales department for boat builder Sunseeker.

Rarely at his desk during the summer, Mr Tilley divides his time between the company's Mayfair sales office, its factory in Poole and whichever glamorous ports his clients would like their new toys delivered to.

Clients include Hollywood stars, sports celebrities and royalty (Mr Tilley could tell you who they are but he'd have to shoot you afterwards).

He said: "I do get to meet a lot of well-known people in this job, but I also meet a lot of people who've worked their way up the career ladder or set up their own business and are now reaping the rewards of their efforts."

Mr Tilley's role is mainly a practical one. "It's my job to hand over the boat and make sure the customer is completely comfortable with it. "If necessary I'll give instruction on how to use it: from operating the navigational equipment to how to switch on the shower.

"You can't expect somebody to give you £2m and then walk away from them."

Mr Tilley holds a yacht master's certificate which he gained through the university sailing club at Plymouth.

He was in the city for three years studying for a degree in maritime and business law - a useful background for a warranty specialist.

He graduated in 2001 and headed for Majorca and a summer job with Sunseekers.

"It was a fantastic season, I got to spend all day working with boats and every evening relaxing with friends in the bars."

The summer job led to a permanent post at Sunseek-ers' London distributor.

It's not a bad outcome for a young man who expected to follow his father into the automotive or construction sectors.

"I went to Bassaleg Comp-rehensive Schooland then studied for an advanced GNVQ in business and finance at Cross Keys college. I knew I wanted to work with boats so I chose the maritime law course at Plymouth."