BASINGSTOKE Town's star footballer Sergio Torres has been honoured with a top award - not for nifty footwork on the pitch, but for his handiwork in his day job.

The Argentinian midfielder may be used to being named Man of the Match, but when his employment agency, Merit Recruitment, told him he had won Temp of the Month, it was quite a surprise.

"I couldn't believe it," said Mr Torres.

When he found out he'd won the accolade, he called his parents in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

He said: "They are very proud."

The 23-year-old was nominated for the award by his employer, Boots, for his punctuality, hard work and good attitude.

"It's a good place to work because my colleagues are really nice people," said Mr Torres, who works as a picker/packer for the chemist giant.

Mr Torres, who has worked for the company for four months, decided to become a temp because of the restrictions his football commitments place on his time.

The young star works from 7am until noon, Monday to Friday, for Boots, trains for the football team on a Tuesday evening and plays on Saturdays.

When asked what qualities he uses in both his jobs, he said: "I have to be fast and accurate and I work hard and say very little."

Mr Torres was presented with a £20 voucher last week to spend in Festival Place, as a reward for his efforts.

Lynn Rich, receptionist at Merit Recruitment, said: "We've been holding the Temp of the Month competition for more than five years.

"It's our way of giving something back to our temps for their commitment.

"Sergio's one of those temps who just gets on with the job in hand.

"His work ethic is exemplary and he's a great all-rounder."