SWINDON street warden Michael Yohans was one of six front-line workers invited to 10 Downing Street last week.

Mr Yohans, 34, from Upper Stratton, joined Prime Minister Tony Blair and wife Cherie for a special reception to honour the workers improving public services for people around the country.

An administrator for the Parks and Walcot street wardens, he regularly dons his warden uniform to help run the juniors wardens' activities.

Before coming to Swindon he worked for a community group in India.

He said: "For a while I was so excited I couldn't express myself. It is something I never expected or imagined would happen."

Six workers, including police community support officers, teaching assistants and health and social workers, attended the reception.

Mr Blair said: "It was great to meet some of the people who are making a real difference in improving our public services and give my personal thanks and acknowledgement to the work that they are doing.

"I have seen myself the contribution that our front-line workers are making to the transformation of public services, making our vision of innovative flexible personalised services a reality."