Postie of the Year

Postman Brian Milner, of Chester-le-Street delivery office, swept up the coveted Postie of the Year title at this year’s Chairman’s Awards for Excellence.

His win came from both the impact he’s had on his delivery office team and his dedication to charity.

Brian runs Gateway Wheelers, a charity which helps disabled people to become mobile though cycling. He has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to charity.

As a workplace coach and the fleet lead for the DH postcode area, he’s always keen to add to his skills.

When asked about winning the Postie of the Year award, Brian said: ‘It feels absolutely fantastic. After winning the BEM for services to charity, this one feels particularly special to me because it’s what I do at work, and there are a lot of postmen and women in the land so it’s nice to be recognised.

‘I’ll just keep doing what I do, and obviously try and get Chester-le-Street up on the map, at the top of everything.

‘One thing I want to say, it’s not just me, it’s every postman and woman. It’s a team effort and we’re all doing a fantastic job. I don’t think the customer always understands what goes into getting their post to their door, especially when it’s snowing and raining. It is really nice to be recognised for that.’

Chairman Les Owen, in his speech at the Chairman’s Awards, said: ‘They are very special awards for great work by a lot of great people. Of course a lot of businesses say: “it is all about the people,” but in our case it really is.

‘We deliver letters and parcels and we get out at all hours of the day and night in all sorts of weather, so it is not a trite comment in the case of Royal Mail.’