ACCRINGTON could again become a landmark on the map of the milk world - thanks to milkman Vic Allonby.

Vic, of Abbott Clough Avenue, Knuzden, is bidding to become Britain's milkman of the year - and says support from his loyal customers is spurring him on.

The 40-year-old delivers in the Avenue Parade and Barnfield areas of Accrington, the town made famous by a 1980s Milk Marketing Board advertisement which mentioned Accrington Stanley FC.

Vic has already been voted best milkman in the North West by the National Dairymen's Association and is one of 12 regional finalists who will battle for the title in London at the end of the month. The winner will receive a £15,000 Volvo.

The distinguished deliveryman, who lives with his partner Wendy and 10-year-old daughter Carla, got a head start in the industry by helping out on milk rounds aged just seven. Vic is thanking his customers, who told competition judges he was more than just a milkman to them - helping them with everything from charity appeals and lost keys to keeping a lookout for thieves. One customer even penned a poem for the judges, and another said: "He puts up with the weather, the hours and me. He deserves a medal."

Vic, who is self-employed, said: "This is the biggest achievement of my life and I want to do my best for my customers at the final. I don't know quite what to expect, but I think the judges want to see how much of a friend you are to the customers, rather than just delivering the milk."

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