Supermarket assistant, Jean Ashley, was today at home with her feet up after clocking up 20 loyal years at the Somerfield store in Rayleigh.

Mrs Ashley, 60, was sent off to retirement in style by her colleagues who arranged a surprise party.

The hard-working store assistant posed for photos and tucked into a buffet before being presented with a £300 cheque as a thank-you from the management.

Staff and customers were very sad to see her leave but know that Mrs Ashley is looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and travelling with her husband.

Colleague, Angie Clarke said: "Jean is such a calm collected character, always taking everything in her stride.

"She had a particularly good rapport with the elderly shoppers. She is only one here who has watched the company grow from the beginning. We are all looking forward to her next visit."

Till we meet again - Jean says au revoir to staff nd customers

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

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