Friendly milkman is cream of the crop

David Watson beat thousands of entrants to win the title of Milkman of the Year 2011 – a competition run by Dairy UK and sponsored by Highland Spring.

Mr Watson works out of the milk&more depot in Mansfield, Notts, and serves more than 460 households in north Nottinghamshire and Sheffield. His seven-hour shift starts at 2am.

“The competition is not just about being the best milkman but also the milkman with the best customers,” Mr Watson said. “I have built up a great rapport with my customers over the years.

“They are more like my friends and because I start my round so early in the morning, I am the eyes and ears of the community. The best thing about being a milkman is definitely my customers. I really am over the moon.”

Edmund Proffitt, processing manager for Dairy UK and the awards organiser, said: “David is what the milk industry is all about.

“His customers are his friends and he always goes that extra mile to keep them happy.”