A street cleaner who has swept the borough’s streets for more than 20 years has been commended in the Queen’s Honours list.

Widower Anthony Cleland, 62, said he was “very surprised” to be among those chosen by Queen Elizabeth II to receive an official tribute.

The father-of-two and grandfather-of-three, who worked at a bakery in Streatham for 23 years before he began cleaning Lambeth’s pavements, is now waiting to hear when he will bestowed with his British Empire Medal (BEM).

He said: “You do not expect to get a medal for what you do. My family were tickled pink [by the news].

“I kept hearing from residents that I should get a medal, but I didn’t think it would actually happen.

“I lost my wife a few years ago but I am sure she will be up there, looking down on me when I receive the medal."

Mr Cleland, from Stockwell, joins Streatham actor David Harewood on the list of royally commended Lambeth residents. He was nominated by Vauxhall MP Kate Hoey and the Stockwell Community Resource Centre.

When asked why he thought he had bagged the award, he replied: “I know everyone in the area. You put yourself open to help people. I really enjoy the job and meeting people. The only reason I would retire is for ill health.”

The BEM was first established in 1917 for people without a societal rank. Unlike the OBE and MBE, which are awarded personally by the Queen or Prince of Wales, it is awarded by a local lord lieutenant.

A spokeswoman for the Cabinet Office said the award recognised Mr Cleland’s commitment to delivering a “unique service day after day” across the borough.

She said: “[Anthony’s] caring attitude has seen him go the extra mile for the community, by raising funds for projects for elderly people or delivering meals to those who are sick or bedridden.

“On or off duty it is inspiring to see the enthusiasm he puts into what he does. Without him the locality would be without a heart.”