Merseyside's Tommy Callagher is Express's top milkman, after clinching his place in a 'super six' shortlist, decided on the number of votes cast by customers.
Tommy gained recognition for both high standards of service and for his renowned community spirit. In 2003, because of his charity work, he was elected as an Ambassador for Liverpool and is currently a Merseyside Local Hero for ITV.
Mike Grey, Arla's business support manager for doorstep operations, said: "Our final six represented the many qualities a good milkman needs. When you consider that hundreds of their customers took the time and trouble to fill in a nomination for them, it shows what a big impression they are making."
Tommy, who runs a retail round in central Liverpool, went on to represent Express in the national Milkman of the Year competition, taking third place.
Edmund Profitt, of Dairy UK and the awards organiser, said: "Tommy is what the milk industry is all about. His customers are his friends and he always goes that extra mile to keep them happy. He has lots of passion and enthusiasm for the job."
Other Express nominations were:
- Tony Fishenden, Edmonton depot, London, whose celebrity supporters included actress Michelle Collins. Tony is always prepared for the unexpected, such as saving the life of an 18-year-old boy who had swallowed his tongue and rescuing an old lady after a fall. "It's all about looking after your customers and looking out for them," he said.
- Paul Hicks, Sandal depot, West Yorkshire, who combines being a milkman with family life and rugby league with Dewsbury Rams. "When I'm on my round I always have a smile on my face," said Paul, who was also on the 2004 shortlist. "I have a busy round at Wakefield with 650 calls in a very good area. I try to look after my customers and it's nice of them to vote for me."
- Andy Stow, Scunthorpe depot, Lincolnshire, who with his wife Maria runs the Tommy Stow Charity Trust Fund in memory of their son who died aged 24. Unable to run because of injury, Andy walked the latest London marathon in aid of the fund. Over the years, he has been one of the leaders in a number of fund-raising community efforts by Scunthorpe milkmen.
- Alan Bradley, Blacon depot, Chester, who says: " My customers are very good at supporting doorstep promotions. I look after them and they look after me. To be a success as a milkman, you need an understanding family because you're out all hours." Alan's top tip on his rural round is to always have a supply of dog biscuits.
- Sean Garvey, from Shipley depot, was the 2004 Milkman of the Year after winning the Express title. Sean builds sales, including bottled water and organic vegetables, and sees milkmen as being an essential part of the community, to the extent that he produces a crime-fighting newsletter for his customers.