APCO Lock Keeper of the Year 2007

In its eleventh year, the award recognises lock keepers and bankside staff who have offered exceptional service to boaters.

Provide exceptional service

Nigel Hamilton, section chairman and vice chairman of APCO, commented: "The award is voted on by some of the most widely travelled boaters on the system, and nominations were received from many different navigations. In becoming Lock Keeper of the Year, Johnathan proved himself to provide exceptional service during the difficult conditions on the River Severn during last summer’s floods."

Johnathan, who was a British Waterways lock keeper at Gloucester Docks for over three years, before moving to work on the Kennet & Avon Canal in October 2007, comments: "It was a great surprise to win this award – it’s the first thing I’ve ever won.

"I think the most important thing about being a lock keeper is being interactive. If you work with everyone and understand their needs, you can get through even the toughest times on the waterways. Even though I’m getting the prize, working through the floods on the Severn was definitely a joint effort. Everyone mucked in together, from customers to managers."

Johnathan was presented with his award at a ceremony on Wednesday 2 April at Gloucester Docks.