RESIDENTS are being reminded to cast their votes for Hillingdon's crematorium manager, who is in with a chance of scooping a national award for his years of service to the community.

There are just days left to vote for John Purcell, Hillingdon Council’s bereavement services manager and Registrar at Breakspear Crematorium.

John has made the finals at the Council Worker of the Year national awards and is in the running to win the Lifetime Service award.

The unsung hero has been working in public services for more than 40 years, dedicating his career to providing the best possible services directly to local residents.

Kathy Sparks, the council’s deputy director of Environment and Consumer Protection, who nominated John, said: “John works tirelessly for the service and always puts others first. I hope he gets the recognition he deserves by winning this award.

"Every vote counts so, if you haven’t already, please vote today.”

John recently introduced a number of improvements to the crematorium including a new video system, which allows relatives who are unable to attend funerals to watch the ceremony through the internet.

John is currently looking at ways to introduce video links so family and friends can record messages if they cannot attend the service in person.

Voting lines close at midday on Thursday, 8 July.

To vote online: Visit www.thelocalgovernmentchannel.com/awards and click on the Lifetime Service 2010 category on the right and then John Purcell.

You can find out more about John, including a film of his work by going to www.hillingdon.gov.uk/votejohn