CALLINGTON'S Annette Hicks could become the UK's first Milkwoman of the Year.
She has been nominated for the title by a customer on the round she has been doing for almost 25 years and has become one of 12 regional finalists.
Her parents bought the business in 1971 and Annette joined it from school in 1976. She took over the business ten years ago from her father and since then has run it almost wholly on her own, delivering to around 400 customers in Callington and Kelly Bray.
Annette, 40, is up soon after 3am, leaves home at 4am and works until 11.30am Mondays to Thursdays, to 4pm or 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays. In her spare time she enjoys running and dancing.
Besides dairy products she sells eggs, fruit juice, potatoes, birdnuts and sometimes flowers, biscuits and plants.
'I love it,' she said. 'I love meeting people and I will always stop for a chat.'
Mrs Hicks said her business was thriving. 'If milkmen have lost customers it's because they don't bother,' she said. 'Look after people and they will stick with you.'
Deirdre Sears, one of the customers who nominated her, said: 'I have never seen her cross or stressed. She is a very popular lady and I really admire her.
'I would never go to a supermarket for my milk, even if it is cheaper. It is vital we keep this link, especially in rural areas.'
The competition has been run for ten years and is now backed by the National Dairymen's Association, which will interview all the finalists. There have been female finalists before, but never a female winner. Milkwomen make up only an estimated 10 per cent of milkpersons.
More than 10,000 entries were received following nominations by customers.
Annette will go to London with her husband Andy Evans for the final judging on April 6. The finalists are selected on a combination of business skills and social skills. The winner will be given a £15,000 Volvo S40.