A Carrick ‘paperboy’ who has delivered over half a million newspapers to his local community over a 20-year period has been rewarded for his dedication.

Fortysix-year old Anthony Scanlon was announced as one of two winners of the News Deliverer Merit Awards in a national awards competition organised by the National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN). He was presented with a trophy, £300 cash and a mountain bike at a Gala Awards dinner at London’s Plaza Park Riverbank Hotel on Wednesday 22nd October.

The News Deliverer Merit Awards are presented to two deliverers each year who have made an exceptional public service contribution. It is the second time that Anthony’s commitment and dedication has been recognised. Last year he was a runner-up in the Employee of the Year category in the 2007 NFRN Awards. Announcing Anthony as one of the winners, BBC broadcaster Patrick Lunt said: “Anthony is totally dedicated to his customers, who include what he calls his ‘wee pensioners’ and he checks regularly that they are okay and will come back to the shop to buy any goods they require if they can’t get out themselves.” He never takes a day off, even when the workshop that he attends takes people away on special outings and he leaves their Christmas lunch early so he can do his afternoon paper rounds.

Anthony was nominated by his employee, newsagent June Jordan of The Bookshop at Carrick Train Station, who described him as “one in a million”. Not surprisingly, Anthony is a well respected member of the Carrickfergus community and, after his success in reaching the finals of last year’s competition, Anthony and June were invited to a special ceremony at the local town hall where he was presented with a plaque recognising his special and dedicated service.

BBC broadcaster Patrick Lunt (left) looks on as Anthony Scanlon is presented with his award by NFRN Vice President Solly Khonat.

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