John Gooding, who works as a butcher on the meat counter at Sainsbury's, in Bedingfeld Way, Bury St Edmunds, was named colleague of the year at a ceremony in London last Thursday , after being nominated for the award by fellow staff members.

John, 36, from Bardwell, also scooped the firm's Bright Star award, after working for the grocery giant for around 12 years.

"I was very surprised," he said.

"I was pleased to be nominated in the first place – there were 550 other colleagues there, but I was shortlisted and it was a real surprise to win."

His boss, counters manager Brian Emsden, said: "John was nominated for his excellent customer service and his enthusiasm and ideas.

"We weren't really surprised he won, knowing how well thought of he is here. Customers come and shop here just to see him.

"He's a trained butcher and fishmonger and he spends a lot time with our younger colleagues training them and talking to them about the best ways to cook the products. We're very proud of him."

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