FRONT-LINE staff at Hyndburn Borough Council have been given recognition for their work from the highest level at a special reception held by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

David Allenby, Hyndburn's works manager, attended the event at 10 Downing Street after receiving the personal invitation two weeks ago.

He joined 200 representatives from councils across the country who met Mr Blair and his wife Cherie at a wine and canapes evening on Monday.

Mr Allenby asked Cherie Blair if she was going to ask him where Hyndburn was.

"Everybody does," he said. "But she said she knew where it was because she had been. And she knew of Accrington Stanley. I said hello to Tony Blair but there was no real conversation. They were both circulating."

The event was organised to recognise the work of front-line staff in achieving government policies.

Mr Allenby's department carries out highway repairs, refuse collection, street cleansing, council house repairs and ground maintenance in the borough.

"I was absolutely delighted to receive the invitation, it certainly came out of the blue," said Mr Allenby.

"It was very interesting and enjoyable and a real feather in the cap for Hyndburn."