THEIR job might not be glamorous but the borough's best toilet attendants and street sweepers have received a big thank you for their efforts during a special awards ceremony.

The men and women who toil throughout the year to keep Redbridge's roads and public conveniences clean rarely get the recognition they deserve from the public.

But workers who have caught the eye of residents for going that extra mile in their jobs have been rewarded with this year's Golden Broom and Brush trophies.

Pauline Elliott and Barry Chapman won the Golden Brush award after keeping the public loos in Gants Hill and Chapel Road, Ilford, clean and tidy during 2009.

Both Pauline and Barry were described by the council as dedicated members of staff who have not missed a day off work.

Street cleaner Martin Davidson won the Golden Broom award for his efforts to keep the roads and pavements of Seven Kings free of litter and grime during the past year.

The winners for the best cleaning team went to the Graffiti Removal unit - Wayne Vaughan, Gemma Demeza and Stephen Lawrence.

A council spokeswoman said: "When the public phone or write to the council - the street sweepers or convenience attendants concerned are presented with a certificate and a record kept over the year of the number of compliments paid to their work. Their work is also monitored by a small inspection team.

The person receiving the most compliments from members of the public and their managers/supervisors during the year are the winners of the Golden Broom/Brush award, which is symbolic of the good work they have done throughout the year.

"When each compliment is received the operative is issued with a certificate of thanks and a copy is placed on the 'Hall of Fame' wall in the street cleansing and public convenience offices at Ley Street Depot.

"At the end of the year the operatives with the most certificates are the winners."

"To pass on a comment or compliment about a member of the street cleansing or public convenience team or any other of our services, please call our customer contact centre on: 8554 5000 or email us at: cleansing@redbridge.gov.uk."