COME rain, snow or shine, milkman John Williamson has delivered milk to North Yorkshire doorsteps for the past 34 years.

Now residents of villages in and around Easingwold will get their milk delivered by John Williamson MBE, after his dedication was recognised in this New Year's Honours list.

With hardly a holiday each year - apart from Christmas Day and New Year's Day - John, of Thormanby, delivers to scores of homes on either side of the A19 corridor.

His honour was awarded for services to the Husthwaite and Coxwold areas, but Oulston, Balk, Carlton Husthwaite and Wass are included on a round that starts at 4am and finishes at 1.30pm seven days a week.

"I still can't believe I've been nominated" said John, 62, who is originally from Heslington, York.

Despite the British weather, John still loves being out and about meeting his customers.

"It's better than being behind a desk," he said.

"And I love talking to people."

Updated: 10:39 Tuesday, December 31, 2002