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POSTAL worker Simon Britain has proved to be a first class male.

Simon, who works in admin support at the Hamilton Street sorting office, has been nominated for the Royal Mail’s First Class People awards.

The awards celebrate unsung heroes who work for the company, and Simon has found himself shortlisted in the North West’s bravery category.

The accolade marks Simon’s dedication to Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, where he has volunteered for 18 years.

The 44-year-old said: "Years ago I got talking to a lad in the pub who had an Oldham Mountain Rescue Team sweater on. I was quite interested in it so decided to volunteer and have been doing it ever since. I really enjoy it and it’s very rewarding, but I was surprised to find out I had been nominated for bravery. I wouldn’t say I’m brave, and it’s not just me, there’s a full team of us working together."

Nonetheless, Simon’s colleagues felt he always went above and beyond the call of duty, and put him forward for the award.

Over the years Simon, of Lees New Road, has helped hundreds of people through his voluntary work, and is now a section leader for the team.

He said: "We are involved in all sorts of situations, from helping injured people to looking for missing persons. The recent bad weather has meant we have been called out frequently, and have assisted the ambulance service on many occasions. In 2008, we had we had 44 call-outs, this year alone we’ve had 20. I’m very lucky that if we get a call-out, and I’m at work, Royal Mail allow me to leave in order to help with the rescue. The bosses also donated a tank of fuel to the team to help us continue our work."

Mark Higson, Royal Mail’s managing director said: "Simon represents just one of the thousands of first class people working for Royal Mail, whose role in the community makes a real difference to people’s lives. They are the unsung heroes who Royal Mail and our customers feel deserve some extra recognition and appreciation for their efforts."

If he gets through his heat, Simon will be invited to an awards ceremony in London, and will be in with the chance of the national title.