Malingerers and the work-shy should take note of Steve Watkins. In the 25 years he has worked for brewers Greene King in Abingdon, he has never had a day off ill.

That's almost 6,000 days and not a sick note in sight. Mr Watkins who works in Greene King's distribution centre in Nuffield Way, said: "I suppose I've established some sort of record in the company.

"I really enjoy my job. I am so lucky to be fit and healthy and that's the secret behind why I have never been off work through sickness. It's something to be proud of these days, particularly when you read about the number of people who take time off when they are not genuinely ill.

"I am a conscientious worker and enjoy being at the centre with my colleagues."

Apart from being a model employee, Mr Watkins, 41, who lives with his partner Margaret in Meadow Prospect, Wolvercote, Oxford, is a loyal recruit. He joined what was then the old Morland brewery in Abingdon in 1980 and continued when the Suffolk brewer Greene King took over Morland in 1999.

Work lover Mr Watkins took time off, however, when he was called into manager Andy Cherington's office to receive a bottle of Champagne and a card to mark his long service achievement.

Later this year, he will have the choice of a gift from the company's catalogue.

Mr Cherington said: "Our customers expect us to get their order and delivery right first time. Steve's dedication over the years had made a great difference to customer service.

"To never had a day off sick in 25 years is a telling testament to his commitment to his job."

After a celebration drink, it was back to work for Mr Watkins who packs orders from pubs, ranging from beer, spirits, wines and soft drinks, for the draymen to make their deliveries.

Mr Watkins added: "Over the 25 years, I've handled almost five million cases -- that's more than 50,000 tonnes."