Who's the UK worker of the year?

Dickies has announced that John Stone, from Westerham near Sevenoaks in Kent has been crowned as the inaugural UK Worker of the Year.

The workwear giant launched the feel-good initiative to recognise excellence in the British work force in April. At a gala awards ceremony in the Ballroom of Hertherden Hall at the famous Pinewood Film Studios, John Stone was honoured for his work in helping save lives as a Fire Protection Engineer in Kent.

Since entries closed at the end of August, the Dickies Judging panel whittled down the hundreds of entries received to a shortlist of nine.

John's absolute love of his job and his ability to sell both himself and what he does were said to be the factors that gave him the edge over the other finalists.

After picking up his trophy a delighted John Stone had to make his choice out of the three brand new Renaults that were on offer as the main prize for UK Worker of the Year. With a baby due in February, he understandably chose the Renault Grand Scenic, over the Megane Hatchback and Trafic Van.