Milkman Jim Marsh has lost out in the final round of the Milkman of the Year competition.

The regional finalist for the South went up against 12 others for the title after being chosen from more than 10,000 entries.

But judges chose milkwoman Annette Hicks, from the South-West, for the first prize of a car worth £15,000.

Even though he was not placed, Jim, 48, of Cherry Close in Burgess Hill, said he was delighted to have been nominated.

The father-of-two said: "I was really pleased, especially as it was my customers who put my name forward."

Jim, who received dozens of good luck cards from people on his round, has worked at the Burgess Hill depot of Unigate Dairy Crest for 12 years and delivers to more than 500 customers.