SUPERTEMP Malcolm Collins has come runner-up in a national competition to find the temporary worker of the year.

Recruitment specialist Westaff launched the competition among its 20 UK offices.

Mr Collins has been working as the main driver at Monmouth council's schools library service since February 20, 2001.

He hasn't taken a day off sick and even maintained his commitment throughout a period of serious illness suffered by his wife.

Both Monmouth council and the team at Westaff Newport felt his outstanding efforts deserved recognition.

Westaff's Rachel Seaborne said: "Malcolm works for Monmouth during the school term and tackles other assignments on behalf of Westaff during school holidays.

"He is 100 per cent reliable and a pleasure to deal with."

Vicky Whent of Monmouth council said: "Malcolm is a very friendly and reliable person and nothing is too much trouble.

"He plays a vital role as the 'front man' for the Schools Library Service, and we could not have picked a better person for the job."

Mr Collins signed up with Westaff on February 5, 2001, after being made redundant from a full-time driving job.

He has been with the agency ever since and represents the best of an army of temporary staff which helps keep the wheels of the British economy turning.