Top level service at a Northern Ireland convenience store shone through last week as a Coleraine woman claimed a national prize.

Lorna McLaughlin, a Henderson Group employee at Vivo Mountsandel, Coleraine (pictured) won the Convenience Store Sales Assistant of the Year Award at a London ceremony.

Now Government-backed employer group 'Skillsmart Retail' has applauded the prize, hailing Lorna's success as a sign of the excellent quality of service that can be given in the province.

Lorna, a customer advisor, who has worked with Hendersons for eight years, said that she was delighted with the award.

She said: "This is the biggest thing that's ever happened to me, I'm so proud.

"'I've had great opportunities for training and development with Hendersons over the last eight years and its definitely helped equip me to do the job that I do in the best way I can."

Justine McGreevey, Training and Development Manager at Henderson, said: "Lorna is a great asset to our business and demonstrates all the skills and attributes that make an outstanding customer advisor.

"Shes embraced every development opportunity offered by the company and used the learning to maximum effect."

Tory Kerley, National Manager - Northern Ireland, Skillsmart Retail commented: "Lorna's success in these awards really shows what Northern Ireland's retail employees can do.

"Whilst we are famous for friendliness in Northern Ireland, for some reason that openness and approachability can often be lacking in our service industries – something we need to change to compete in a global economy.

"Lorna is an inspiration - she has shown she is the best in the UK. Henderson Retail has worked extremely hard at making customer service a key priority, and this is a well-deserved reward."

Kerley also applauded Henderson for their efforts to promote training: "Henderson Retail has helped Lorna to get an NVQ – which gives her excellent training and a recognised qualification.

"We would urge more Northern Ireland retailers to use qualifications to boost the skills of their staff - Lorna's achievement is an example of the results it can have.

The award was the top prize at the Convenience Store Shop Worker of the Year awards at the Dorchester Hotel, a ceremony designed to reward those who work at the front end of retail.

(BMcC)