Celebrationsin store for stalwart duo

DEDICATION . . . Carol Powel and Jill Fern celebrate 40 years of service at Asda

LOYAL colleagues at a Chadderton supermarket celebrated a combined 80 years of service with a party in the aisles.

Jill Fern and Carol Powel were each congratulated on 40 years of service with Asda this month after beginning their careers at the supermarket giant back in 1976.

Carol started working for the company, aged 16, in the home and leisure department and witnessed the opening of the Chadderton store in Milne Street in 1994.

Jill started as a checkout runner and now works on the customer service desk at the Chadderton superstore.

Carol, who now works in clerical and on reception at Asda Chadderton, said: "The opening of the store was something I will never forget as there was an air of excitement across the whole town.

"It has also been so interesting to see how the business has changed as computerised systems have become more standard. That said, the people within the business have always been so friendly and are regarded as part of my extended family.

"I can't believe how quickly the last 40 years have flown by and it's really nice to see that we're all one big Asda family and such a big part of the local community."

Carl Whitehead, general store manager at Asda Chadderton, said: "We are proud of all our colleagues at Asda Chadderton and we are especially proud of our dedicated colleagues for all their hard work over the last 40 years.

"What better way to celebrate the 80 years our long-serving colleagues have given us than with a good old party to thank them for their service."