Champagne flows as bubbly Jane is served with top award (From Western Telegraph)

Champagne flows as bubbly Jane is served with top award

THE CHAMPAGNE hasnt stop flowing for Pembrokeshire mother-of-two Jane Thomas since she was voted Britains favourite retail assistant. Bubbly Jane compared herself to a bottle of champagne when the competition judges asked which item on the shop shelf she would most like to be.

Her sparkling personality won them over and she was named the countrys top shop assistant at the competition final in London.

Thirty-five-year-old Jane has been serving customers at the Spar store in Pennar for 18 months. Before than she was behind the counter at the post office near her home in High Street, Pembroke Dock.

Her name was put forward for the title by her area manager because of her happy and helpful manner. We are a small shop with regular customers and it makes all the difference when there is a happy atmosphere," she insists.

She plans to take her colleagues out for dinner with her winnings because she views the award as a team effort. Her two sons will also be getting a treat - a day out at Alton Towers.

Jane had planned to buy a new bed with some of her prize money but those funds have been diverted to house maintenance. When I got back from London my kitchen roof was nearly on the floor,' she says. It has got a bad leak so repairing that will have to be a priority for the time being."

She was presented with her prize by John West, of Convenience Store magazine. The competition was broadcast on the Sky network on Wednesday.

Her employer, John Porter, describes her as an asset to his business. She is always bright and bubbly and very friendly and helpful with our customers," he said. I have a good team of staff, they all get on very well and there is a lovely atmosphere here."