DEVOTED deliverer Charlie Thomas has been named the ‘Milkman of the Year’.

The Sale milkman scooped the national award at the Dairy UK Doorstep Conference at Haydock Park, Merseyside, on Wednesday September 21.

Come rain or shine, Creamline milkman Charlie, 24, has delivered hundreds of pints of milk a week to his customers in Sale and wider Trafford. He was nominated by his customers and his positive attitude won over the judges.

Charlie said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won the title. I would like to thank all who have nominated me and thank them for their support.

“There’s no other job quite like it. I know my area like the back of my hand and it’s always good to see familiar faces on my route. The community I know and work with are what get me out there – it’s great that I have a job that means I’m so directly connected with my customers.

"I started to accompany my father on his milk rounds when I was eight years old – and I learnt that a milkman must be punctual, have an eye for detail, and no matter the weather, smile.”

Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, said: “Charlie is what doorstep delivery is all about. His customers are his friends and he always goes that extra mile to provide them with great products and service. He relishes the community spirit and provides trustworthy doorstep delivery service that many of our customers, especially the housebound, rely on.”