A road sweeper from Beckenham who has just returned from his highly anticipated trip to Portugal says his holiday was “10-out-of-10” and “absolutely superb”.

Paul Spiers has been a familiar and much-loved presence in Beckenham since 2017, where he works as a road sweeper.

On Saturday (August 17), Paul and his brother flew out to Albufeira in Portugal, where they were greeted by national news organisations and spent an entire week eating, drinking, and most importantly, relaxing.

Paul enjoying an ice cold beer on the beach (Image: Paul Spiers)

Paul told the News Shopper: “The holiday was amazing – this was my second trip to Portugal.

“We walked from our hotel to Old Town, which took about half an hour and had some beers.

“On the Friday before we came home, we booked a boat tip and went 10 miles out to sea, where we saw dolphins.

“This was absolutely brilliant; it was the first time I had ever seen dolphins in my life.”

Paul and his brother on the boat (Image: Paul Spiers)

In the end Paul’s holiday was made possible by the package holiday company, On the Beach, which organised a special "competition" that ensured Paul would be the winner to thank him for his work and joy that be brought to the community.

Paul drew the attention of On the Beach after he became the focus of a community fundraiser, as residents and local businesses united to fund his return to Portugal as a birthday present.

Paul and his brother enjoying the Portuguese sun (Image: Paul Spiers)

Friend Lisa Knight started the GoFundMe to pay for Paul's holiday, however in a letter to Bromley Council, Beckenham and Penge MP Liam Conlon revealed that contractor Veolia had informed Paul he could not accept the money due to contractual obligations with the council.

Paul told the News Shopper that Lisa has been an “absolute diamond” throughout the entire process.

The duo relaxing on the beach near their hotel (Image: Paul Spiers)

He added: “If it wasn’t for her, the trip wouldn’t have happened.

“She deserves a lot of credit – as one of Elvis’s songs says, ‘you are always on my mind’, and she is always on my mind."

On the Beach arranged free lounge access at the airport and provided an all-inclusive package so that Paul and his brother could “fully enjoy” all the food and drink they desire during their stay.

Upon arriving back to the UK and returning to work as Beckenham’s most prestigious road cleaner, Paul said “half a dozen” people have come up to him and asked for pictures.

“Even today, a man came up to me when I was walking home and asked for a selfie with me," Paul added.