A REALITY TV runner-up says council workers are the unsung heroes of the community.

Andy Abraham, 42, a former bin man wants them to go forward for the first ever Council Employee of the Year award.

The X-Factor star is backing the Local Government Channel and the Local Government Association (LGA) in a bid to celebrate their worth in the community.

Each authority across the UK, including Wycombe District Council, is being urged to enter one frontline worker from any department for the national award.

The winner will be announced at the LGA's Annual Conference in Bournemouth from July 4 to July 7.

Andy, whose album The Impossible Dream is released soon, wants council workers to live their own dreams.

The singer who came second in the ITV show, said: "Public services are vital to communities up and down the country and the role of the people who provide them is often under valued.

"It's time to shout about those achievements and it gives me great pleasure to be able to endorse this award.

"Having worked for local government for many years, I can appreciate the value of being recognised in this way."

The winner will be the worker who best shows how they go beyond the call of duty.

They will be presented with an engraved trophy and a cheque for £500 if they win.

To nominate, councils should send a 200 word application to the LGA saying what their candidate does for the community and why they should win.

It must be endorsed by the council's Chief Executive.

Send the application to employeeaward@hblmedia.com

The deadline in March 21