FOR more than 10 years Brian Andrews has been selflessly ensuring a popular Suffolk town remains clean and tidy for residents and visitors alike.

WOODBRIDGE: For more than 10 years Brian Andrews has been selflessly ensuring a popular Suffolk town remains clean and tidy for residents and visitors alike.

And now the hard working street sweeper's sterling efforts have been recognised with a prestigious honour.

Woodbridge Town Council has awarded Mr Andrews, of Campsea Ashe, the Potter Cup - an annual prize given to unsung heroes of the local community.

The 56-year-old, originally from Romford, in Essex, came to Suffolk 15 years ago for a change of scene after being made redundant.

Following three years of temporary work on the London Underground he joined Suffolk Coastal Services Ltd and began working in Woodbridge.

It is a job he thoroughly enjoys and he has no plans to give it up just yet.

“It's excellent,” he said. “I meet a lot of interesting people. Most of the people are nice to me and they help me by telling me things that need to be done. I was very surprised when I heard I'd won the cup because I didn't expect anything like it - it's all just part and parcel of doing the job. I'd like to say thank you to those who nominated me. It's a real honour.”

Mayor Les Binns, who handed Mr Andrews his award at a town council meeting, said: “Brian is a popular figure in Woodbridge - he keeps the streets immaculately clean. He does more than what he is paid to do and is always happy to go that extra bit further. He sees things that need doing and does them.

“The Potter Cup gave us an opportunity to recognise that and it was a privilege to award it to Brian.”

Do you know someone who deserves recognition in your community? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.