A TAVISTOCK woman has been awarded three accolades for her dedicated work in keeping the pannier market and its toilets to a high standard of cleanliness.

Alison Ewings, who has been a caretaker in Tavistock's market since September 2007, was entered in the 'Loo of the Year' competition by deputy town clerk Rosie Keyhoe, who felt Alison should be commended for her efforts.

They both attended the awards ceremony in Birmingham last month, during which Alison was amazed to find out she had not only been awarded one accolade but three!

Alison was told before she attended the event that she had been successful in winning the overall grade awarded of five stars.

But she had also been commended with the attendant of the year and was the national category winner, which saw her beat 540 other delegates from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England for the top award.

Alison joined the council's staff with a vision that she said would brighten up the toilets in the pannier market.

As well as keeping the toilets in pristine condition she displays fresh or silk flowers on a table with a matching tablecloth, using her own props within the toilets, and decorating them in-keeping with the seasons and events, including Christmas and Easter.

At Tavistock Town Council's properties meeting, members congratulated Alison on her achievements.

Vice-chair of the committee Cllr Brian Trew said: 'This sort of thing is great news for the town.'

Deputy mayor Mandy Govier was delighted when she heard the news: 'I think as a council we are all so proud of Alison.

'The loos are so well used and she has worked so hard, especially when the Guildhall toilets were shut as the market loos were in constant use.'

Alison said that winning all three awards was a 'total surprise'.

She said: 'I knew that Rosie had nominated me for the Loo of the Year but I didn't know about the other two awards so I was completely shocked.

'I am over the moon — I feel that the vision I had for the toilets at my interview with Mike and Eddie has been recognised and it makes me realise that I have achieved my goal — and the fact that someone else has seen my vision and awarded me for that is even better.'

Mike Souttar, deputy market reeve, said: 'We are incredibly proud of Alison — we feel she has brought a new standard of cleanliness and hygiene to the market and the toilets.'