A customer friendly waste collector is believed to be the first in his profession to win a major UK award.
Torfaen Council's refuse-man Bryan Moylan, 41, won the frontline professional of the year category at the National Customer Service Awards.
He was presented with a trophy during a glitzy award ceremony in London.
Bryan, who earlier this year became the first waste collector in the UK to achieve a top customer service accolade by becoming a Practitioner Member of the Institute of Customer Service, said: "I'm overwhelmed to win- it's the best feeling and it still hasn't sunk in.
"This award shows how I'm always determined to do my best for residents."
Gloria Evans, the Council's former Head of Customer Services, who retired this year, also won the decade of excellence award.
She received a standing ovation during the ceremony.
She said: "This is a perfect end to my 30 year career at the Council. I have loved working for such an innovative, customer focused authority and I would like to thank everyone for their support."
The local authority's Technical Services and Performance department, which is responsible for waste, recycling, highways maintenance, grass cutting, litter picking and complaints monitoring, was also a finalist in the Team of the Year category.
Councillor John Cunningham, Executive Member for Operational Services, said: "I'm so proud of the award winners. They prove that the Council makes every effort to listen and work with local residents to provide outstanding customer service."
The National Customer Service awards recognise excellence in the way an organisation and individuals deals with their customers.