Besides recognising the lock keeper's long-standing service to the river, the award also pays tribute to McCreadie as a stalwart contributor to his local community and as a supporter of charities.

In particular, over the last four years Mr McCreadie and his wife have worked hard to open a lockside garden, serve cream teas and run a bric-a-brac stall to raise money for four charities: the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Against Breast Cancer, The Cotswold Canal Trust and L'Arche, a French organisation which supports people with learning difficulties.

McCreadie, who is due to retire in September 2004, said:

"I was totally surprised by the news. After receiving the letter saying I had been nominated, I was in a complete daze for two days wondering 'Why me?'" Mrs McCreadie feels her husband's popularity in the community is down to his welcoming attitude. She said:

"The usual comment from locals is "You always make us feel so welcome when we come down to the lock."