AWARD-winning coalman Albert Milligan has a theory that open fires are good for people's health.

The 59-year-old Burnley man - voted the North-West's top coalman - says the warmth of a real fire is an excellent cure for complaints such as asthma and chilblains.

With one award in the bag, Albert is set to take on the country's best in the grand final of the Coalman of the Year award on May 31.

Sponsored by the Coal Merchants' Federation (CMF), the award will go to the person judged to be Britain's most efficient, reliable and friendly coalman.

"Coal fires are making a big comeback," said Albert, who is based on Plumbe Street, Burnley, and one of five remaining coalmen in Burnley. "There are more now than when I started 28 years ago. I know one woman whose doctor recommended that she get an open fire for her chilblains and asthma. I saw her husband recently and he said she was much better."

CMF president Mike Borkett said: "Albert's outstanding commitment to providing exactly what his customers' want made him an obvious winner, and I wish him well in the final."

Albert, who with his wife, Barbara, son, Stuart, and daughter-in-law, Claire, owns A&B Milligan's, will win a £1,000 prize if he is named King Coal at the grand final in Birmingham.

"I'm pleased to have got this far," said Albert. "Now I'm just keeping my fingers crossed for the final."

Top coalman Albert Milligan

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