THE boss of Warrington Market is in the running for a top national award in recognition of his innovative work - and he needs your votes.

Steve Pickering, market manager, has been shortlisted for Innovation 2009, an award to ‘recognise the council worker whose innovative work benefits the council and the community’.

Peter Moffatt, head of service who nominated him for the award, said: “The reason for this nomination is the consistent dedication Steve has shown to the market, its traders and the council. It is also because of his innovation and his willingness to always go the extra mile.”

Steve said: “I am of course happy and humbled to be nominated for this award. It’s nice that all the work I do has been recognised in this way and I hope everyone in Warrington gets behind me and votes.

“Winning this award would also give me the opportunity to shout about how great markets are.”

It’s now up to the public to decide if Steve, who has worked at the market for 10 years, will take home the trophy and prize money.

You can cast your vote by visiting localgovernmentchannel.com/awards There will also be paper forms and a ballot box in the market (ask at the customer service desk for more information).