HE has transformed recycling in Hyndburn, now David Allonby has been voted one of the nation's greatest public servants.

David, who is Hyndburn Council's environmental maintenance manager in charge of recycling, has slashed the amount of waste heading to landfill sites through a string of initiatives.

And his hard work landed him the "Nothing is Impossible" accolade at the Public Servant of the Year 2004 Awards, at a glitzy ceremony in London's Grosvenor House Hotel.

He said: "I was surprised and delighted. It's a fantastic achievement for everyone at Hyndburn Council, not least the binmen.

"We've made great steps forward and this raises the borough's profile locally and nationally."

The awards honour exceptional teams, and individuals, in the public sector, including councils, police and health services. There were more than 300 entries for 15 individual and team categories. Two of the three team finalists were from Lancashire police, including a burglary team from Blackburn.

David, 46, grew up in Todmorden and lived in Burnley, before moving to East Marton, near Skipton. He has worked for Hyndburn Council for 15 years, progressing through its technical services and works departments, and took up his current post 12 months ago.

In just a year, the amount of rubbish being recycled has leapt to 20 per cent of all waste -- that means between April and September 2003, 2,750 tonnes of waste were re-used rather than buried at Whinney Hill tip, near Accrington.

David said: "There's still work to do in collecting plastic and textiles, but this success shows what can be done through simple measures.

"Sometimes it's been difficult to get the recycling message across, but more and more people are taking part and realising the benefits."

Hyndburn chief environmental officer Steve Todd said: "I know of no other district council that has achieved so much in such a short time. Most credit must go to David for his effective management."

The overall public servant of the year was an officer with Tower Hamlets Council in London. Council officers from Bury and Northern Ireland were the other finalists in David's category.