Toilet attendant's roll of honour

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A great-grandfather who takes pride in keeping a public toilet immaculate has been named loo attendant of the year.

Bernie Morgan, 67, took the British Toilet Association award for his work at the King Square public convenience in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan.

He was praised by the local council for his high standards, friendliness and "clear eye for detail".

Mr Morgan said his customers liked the toilets because they "smell nice" and are always clean and tidy.

"They are nice and warm, there's central heating in them and radiators, and everything is fine," he said.

"There's mirrors for them to come in to do their hair and put their make up on when they feel like in the warm.

People are really enthusiastic to see such a nice place to come to Bernie Morgan

"Some people don't want to leave. They stay three-quarters-of-an-hour."

Mr Morgan had retired from Vale of Glamorgan council after more than 20 years of service but was happy to return as a loo attendant.

"I retired for about three months but I was getting a bit fed up because I've worked all my life so I was happy to come back," he said.

The council said Mr Morgan was often praised by the public for maintaining such high standards of cleanliness.

Cabinet member Councillor Geoff Cox said: "We are very proud of Bernie's efforts and success. My congratulations and thanks go to Bernie for his consistency, standards and for having a clear eye for detail.

"His personality, friendliness and manner is such that he always goes the extra mile, happily assisting with enquiries and doing his best to return any lost property."

A British Toilet Association spokesman said: "Our congratulations go to all providers and particularly their dedicated cleaning staff for keeping their toilets 'fit for purpose' often, we know, in spite of difficult user challenges."

And Mr Morgan's regulars are certainly impressed with his devotion to the job.

"It's open seven days a week and people are really enthusiastic to see such a nice place to come to," Mr Morgan said.