“APTLY named Brian Jolly has been given tea with the Mayor after being selected as the borough’s street sweeper of the year.

Mr Jolly, who is currently responsible for keeping the recycling sites in the borough clean, has worked for the council for 28 years and was awarded in recognition of his outstanding contribution over the last year.

Commenting on the award, Mayor of Richmond Cllr Nicola Urquhart said: "This is a very important award which recognises vital work. We have a beautiful borough. The hard work of people like Brian is ensuring that we can show it off at its very best for the benefit of all that live here and visit.

"Brian Jolly is special. He has always been renowned for his hard work, diligence and punctuality. But what makes him different is the good humour with which he carries out a sometimes tough but important job.

“More than that he takes price in what he does. The borough is proud of him and I am proud to present this award."

Mr Jolly himself said: "I am delighted to receive this award. I have worked hard over the last 28 years for the council – but then I enjoy my work. It’s very nice to be appreciated in this way."

He spent 15 years on grounds maintenance, a short spell on passenger services, 13 years on street cleansing service and his last two years on Cleanaway.

His current role is recycling site cleaner. He cleans around all sites on the Richmond side of the borough each day, also reporting any graffiti and overflowing containers to the Recycling management.

The award consists of an engraved trophy plus shopping vouchers. He has also had his name engraved on a street cleansing shield on the office wall.

l Meanwhile, staff at Richmond council will have their achievements recognised at an evening award ceremony when accomplishments in both personal development or career performance will be celebrated.

Over 70 staff will be recognised as having achieved outstanding success which the council feel contributed to the high standard levels recognised in the CPA in December last year.

The achievements range from being a major contributing factor in gaining departmental, diplomas, certificates and other academic qualifications. Charter Marks, ISO awards and other quality standard awards. Staff are also having their personal development achievements recognised such as gaining degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic qualifications. Cabinet members, directors and senior officers will join staff on the night as well as The mayor of Richmond, Cllr Nicola Urquhart, who will be photographed with each of the staff on the night.

Susannah Moore, tourism officer graduated with a postgraduate diploma in marketing. On winning her award she said: "It’s nice to have your hard work recognised by your employers, it makes all the sacrifices worthwhile. My qualification has given me the confidence to really believe in what I am doing at Richmond Tourism."

Tayo Johnson of the strategy and development team who was recognised for his involvement in the housing department’s Charter Mark, a nationally recognised award for excellent customer service said: "It is heart warming to receive acknowledgement for the work we do."

The mayor Nicola Urquhart said: " At the start of my mayoral year, I am delighted to be involved in this new initiative allowing staff members to be recognised for their outstanding achievements. Hopefully, the council will make this an annual event, encouraging staff both present and future to strive for "excellence" status."