Friendly milkman crowned UK best

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A Greater Manchester milkman who treats his customers as his friends has been crowned Milkman of the Year.

Ian Kay, 41, from Wigan, estimates he has delivered thousands of pints over the 24 years he has been on the job.

He rises at 0130 to deliver pints to 472 households in the Highfield and Winstanley areas of the town.

And Mr Kay, who was given the award by Dairy UK, said he prided himself on being "the eyes and ears of the community".

"I am over the moon and absolutely delighted to have won the title," said the milkman.

"The competition is about having the best customers, and not just about being the best milkman.

Ian is what the milk industry is all about Edmund Proffitt, Dairy UK

"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."

Dairy UK, which runs the annual contest, represents the interests of the dairy industry.

Edmund Proffitt, organiser of the awards, 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.

"They are the familiar, trustworthy doorstep delivery service that many of our customers, especially the housebound, rely on."