A FORMER miner who has worked for Barnsley Premier Leisure for almost 30 years has been given a special recognition award to celebrate his retirement.

Tony Conway, 77, Queens Gardens, Barnsley, worked for British Coal for 33 years before joining Barnsley Council’s department of leisure service and amenities as a casual leisure attendant in 1989.

Over the years, he carried out a number of jobs including grounds maintenance, kitchen duties, working as a cleaner and looking after the gardens in the Metrodome. He was voted the first BPL ambassador of the year in 2009 and has been the employee representative on the board of trustees since 1999.

Tony received the award at BPL’s Core Value Awards at the Metrodome, which recognise staff who’ve gone the extra mile.

Outside of work, Tony has always been a fan of exercise. He has completed more than 20 marathons and is a familiar face in the Metrodome gym.

He is writing two books; one on the NHS through a patient’s eyes and the other on the life and times of a Barnsley miner.

He said: “The changes I’ve seen here since I started are unbelievable. I’ve got to know a lot of the characters and the staff, who are really good.

“This really means a lot, it’s recognition for what I’ve done for the company. I hope I’ve contributed to its success in the time I’ve been here.”

Ronnie Erskine, HR manager, said: “Tony is such a vibrant character. He’s one of those people you can’t help but like. Tony epitomises all of our core values, which is one of the reasons we gave him the award. We felt it was right that he should be recognised for the service he has given to BPL.”

Tim Wilson, BPL chief executive, added: “Tony is full of energy and well known throughout the site, hence why we made him an ambassador.

“He trains most days, but whether he’s training or not, we want a character like Tony in the building.

“He’s a wonderful guy you couldn’t get a better ambassador for physical activity.”

During his retirement, Tony plans to carry on going to the gym, as well as continuing his role as a governor at Barnsley Hospital.