Sandown dignitaries came out in force to recognise the efforts of a man who keeps the town clean and tidy.

At a surprise presentation on the seafront, gifts were given to Island Roads town cleaner Kenny Snudden, who has just clocked up 25 years of keeping Sandown looking good.

Alex Lightfoot from the town council, Paul Brading from Sandown Rotary, Ian Ward from Sandown Royal British Legion, Ben Holbrook of Sandown Green Town Volunteers, the Rev Mark Williams from Christ Church and well-known Freeman of Sandown Heather Humby presented Kenny with gifts, including chocolates, bubbly, a certificate and plants.

Alex, town mayor, presented a gift and the certificate to Kenny, who was born in Ventnor but lives in Sandown.

Alex said: “We would like to thank Kenny for his hard work for the town over a quarter of a century. People like him make such a difference to how the town looks to residents and visitors.”

Kenny said: “It’s not what you expect when you come to work in the morning to have a presentation like this. I was genuinely moved by the gifts etc.

“I love my job and being outside in this lovely town. Meeting lots of people is a bonus.”

Steve Ashman, Island Roads service director, said: “All our staff live on the Island and, like Kenny, set out each day to do the best job they can for their community.

“We are really grateful that Sandown Town Council has pulled out all the stops to recognise Kenny’s contribution. Thank you to them and well done to Kenny. He really deserves this recognition.”

Jez Mew, Island Roads environmental service manager, said: “Kenny has spent 25 years working to keep Sandown clean and tidy and the tributes paid to him today show how much he is appreciated.”