A SHOP assistant is on a winning streak after reaching the finals of a national competition.

Mum-of-two Carol Pearson is a part-time worker at Martin the Newsagent, Castle Street, Clitheroe.

Not only has she reached the finals of the Sales Assistant of the Year competition, but she has also been named Regional Sales Assistant of the Year by the Martin Retail Group.

Carol was picked by Martin bosses because of her friendly personality and smart appearance, and was presented with £200 and the regional title.

Now she is in line for the £2,000 top prize in the finals of the Sales Assistant of the Year competition organised by the Confectionary, Tobacconist and Newsagent magazine, to be held at the Savoy Hotel in London next week.

Archery and animal enthusiast Carol, who has 14 pets, will take part in a series of question-and-answer and role-paying sessions at the event.

She said: "My regular customers are really thrilled for me, but I am telling them that even if I don't survive the questioning and role playing it will be great just to be there and compete."

The 800-strong Martin Retail Group trades as Martin the Newsagent in England and RS McColl in Scotland.

Retail director Steve Wooldridge said the firm was "very proud of Carol" and wished her the best of luck.

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