A cheerful Lancashire milkman who treats his customers as friends has been crowned Milkman of the Year.
Ian Kay, 41, from Wigan, has delivered thousands of pints to his customers in 24 years on the job.
He was nominated by many of his 472 customers in the Highfield and Winstanley areas of the town.
Mr Kay, who wakes up at 1.30am to start work, said he prides himself on being ``the eyes and ears of the community''.
He said: ``I am over the moon and absolutely delighted to have won the title. The competition is about having the best customers, and not just about being the best milkman. I see my customers as friends, and have built up a great rapport with them over the years.
``Because I start my round so early in the morning, I really am the eyes and ears of the community. I want to thank my customers for all their support, and look forward to sharing my news with them.''
Mr Kay beat fellow contenders Graham Heasman, from Tunbridge Wells, Ian Smith, from Swadlincote, Derbyshire, and Kevin Roberts, from Anglesey, to clinch the Dairy UK title.
Edmund Proffitt, Dairy UK awards organiser, said: ``Ian is what the milk industry is all about. His customers are his friends and he always goes that extra mile to keep them safe and happy.
``He relishes the community spirit and has lots of passion and enthusiasm for the job. The country's milkmen deliver much more than just milk - from groceries to gifts and hampers.
``They are the familiar, trustworthy doorstep delivery service that many of our customers, especially the housebound, rely on. Ian is a great ambassador for our industry and I wish him well for the next year in his new role.''
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