Librarian Eamonn Gray, who takes books to the elderly and disabled throughout the Witham district with his access services mobile library, has won national recognition for his work.

Eamonn, 45, was one of only 19 winners chosen out of over 600 nominations for the Department of Trade and Industry's prestigious Consumers First! award.

The award aims to reward businesses and individuals who have provided a real and positive benefit to their customers.

Eamonn, who delivers books to the elderly and disabled across mid-Essex, was nominated for the award by one of his customers.

"I am absolutely delighted to have won the award, ecstatic," he said. "Of course it was wonderful to be nominated by one of my readers.

"It's such an honour, especially when I saw the list of fellow winners from large multi-national stores. It is also lovely to see establishments such as local post offices and pharmacies acknowledged and it it wonderful for all the customers."

Eamonn's rounds take him across mid-Essex to 134 elderly people's homes and sheltered accommodation addresses, issuing over 6,000 books a month to his customers.

Jenny Glayzer, field services manager for Essex County Libraries, said: "This is a wonderful award, recognising both the contribution of Eamonn and the value of the access mobile service."

Eammon Gray, pictured outside the mobile library at Hatfield Peverel with his award.

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