The 64-year-old said life has carried on much the same, though with a lot more people stopping him in the street.
Known for blasting Elvis and Motown from his speaker as he works, Paul’s cheerful presence has made him a local celebrity since he began sweeping the streets of Beckenham in 2017.
Paul told the News Shopper: “I’ve been doing what I normally do – still out in the streets.
“People are even stopping me now and asking me about the holiday.
“Everyone knew me before, but they know me a lot better now.
“I can’t thank the people of Beckenham enough.”
Over the years, Paul has become a familiar face – not just for keeping the high street tidy, but for his infectious positivity.
When he turned 63 in August 2024, locals came together to raise money for Paul’s second-ever holiday.
But what began as a simple community effort quickly snowballed into a story that made national headlines and even reached Washington, DC.
Lisa Knight, the Beckenham estate agent who organised the original fundraiser, said: “It was never meant to be about me, it was about Paul.
“People tell me the story, and they don’t realise it was me.
“I’m glad he went – I’m going to Portugal this year in October.
At the time, there was heartbreak when Bromley Council and Veolia ruled that Paul couldn’t accept the money raised, as company policy didn’t allow staff to take outside gifts or incentives.
Just when it seemed like he might miss out, holiday company On the Beach stepped in with a competition designed so specifically that only Paul could win.
The terms were almost comically precise: the winner had to be between 62 and 64 years old, be a road sweeper in Beckenham, have the surname Spiers, love Elvis and be adored by the community.
Paul ticked every box, and soon he and his brother were jetting off from Gatwick to the Algarve.
Paul added: “As soon as I got out of the cab [in Portugal] the Mail Online were there taking photos.
“I went into reception to book in, and they brought out a bottle of champagne.
“I am still working with the same people, doing the same thing – if I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t be here.
“I still play Motown now, still love Elvis, and still chat away.”
The trip may have changed the way people see him, but Paul is quick to add that life remains grounded.
He explained: “Nothing has really changed; I am saving up to go again next year.
“I would probably go self-catering this time with my brother.
“I can’t afford the private lounge and private taxi.”
Whilst on his well-deserved trip, Paul and his brother often headed to the Old Town and even spotted dolphins during a boat trip.
Paul explained: “The holiday was amazing – this was my second trip to Portugal.
“We 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 told the News Shopper that Lisa has been an “absolute diamond” throughout the entire process.
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.”
