Community postman 'first class'

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tay ... 323244.stm

A Stirling postman has won an award for the contribution he has made to his local area.

John Knox has bagged the top prize in the Community category at Royal Mail's First Class People Awards.

When he is not working, the 41-year-old father-of-10 likes to help out at the Ochil Explorers - an outdoor adventure scheme for children.

He is also a committee member on the Raploch Regeneration group, which is working to improve the area.

The postman also chairs the club which manages the local community centre and runs a football team at the Stirling Delivery Office.

Mr Knox won £1,000 for coming first in his category.

With so many hobbies, as well as 10 children aged three to 21, he admits he has a lot to thank his very patient wife for.

He told the BBC Scotland News website he was delighted by the award.

"Totally unexpected, over the moon with it," he said.

Thousands of people across the UK nominated their postman or woman as an "unsung hero".

Mr Knox said: "I know everybody on my delivery.

"I can start at my front door and finish at my front door.

"I know everybody and everybody knows me.

"They're a great bunch of people down there, everybody's sound."

Mr Knox's manager, Lesley Allan, who nominated him for the award, said: "John is a valued member of staff.

"I'm absolutely delighted that he is being rewarded for the fantastic and worthwhile work he does for the community.

"He really deserves it."