Carole Rawstron of Gene Sutcliffe, Accrington

WHEN Carole Rawstron heads for work, she never knows which of several 'hats' she will be wearing - probably just as well there are plenty of hats where she works!

For Carole occupies many roles, all of which fall under the umbrella of 'personal assistant' to Gene Sutcliffe, former model and owner of the up-market ladies' fashion store which bears her name in Accrington.

One thing is for certain, though, Carole always anticipates having fun. "This is a place of laughter," she said. "We all get on so well which some might find surprising considering it is an all-female staff.

"Gene laughs and jokes as much as everyone else, but while we have loads of fun, the business itself is run along very professional lines."

It must be, for the exclusive store has expanded beyond recognition since Gene first ran it alongside her own professional modelling career back in 1970.

Carole, who lives in Barrow near Clitheroe, joined the team eight years ago as secretary to Alan Sutcliffe, Gene's husband and business partner. She took on the role of 'PA' last year, when Alan tragically died while on holiday with his wife 18 months ago.

"Many people thought I might sell up and retire at that point, but the loss of Alan made me even more determined to succeed with the business," explained Gene.

"As for Carole, she is the most fantastic support anyone could ever have. She's so clever, with a wonderful personality and we get on famously. It's a joy working with her, and I truly mean that."

So, apart from contributing to the fun, what does a personal assistant to Gene Sutcliffe actually do? "Everything," comes the instant retort from Carole. "Well, perhaps not, it just seems like that some days!

"Try this for starters. I open up the shop, answer the telephone, do the cashing up from the tills, balance up the takings, sort out and deal with the post, invoices, bills, orders, catalogues, check in the deliveries, mark them off, check and sort them into styles, organise payments, send out the statements, deal with bank reconciliations...

"Still with me? At busy times, I can be found in the shop, helping out on the tills or turning my hand to whatever is required to support the team.

"Every day is different and that's what I love about the job. I am not a salesperson as such, but there are times when a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do!

"I have to be able to turn my hand to most things, so I have to know what's going on. I've even done a full wedding order, hat, shoes, bag and the outfit when we have been short-staffed.

"I am an administrator and I don't get involved with the buying or the shows, but there's still a great deal of variety.

"It was my 'big' birthday last year and perhaps I ought to be thinking of slowing down, but then again, I love my work and I think that keeps me young in spirit."

Carole was born and bred in Clayton-le-Moors, went to the all-girls Accrington High School and has worked in the area all her life. "I started out at what was English Electric straight from school at 15 years old.

"I am now married for the second time - earlier this year, in fact. I have grown-up children, two sons, one daughter and three beautiful grandchildren."

"Gene Sutcliffe is a remarkable business. Operating as an exclusive ladies' fashion store in the centre of Accrington, it attracts customers, including lots of repeat business, from a very wide area.

"We do have some local trade, but people drive over from Manchester, Yorkshire, the Lake District and all over the North West to shop with us.

"Certain customers ask to be served by their 'own' assistant, who has probably been looking after their sense of fashion for years.

"We have a really fantastic, wide range of fashion clothes and accessories. Gene is so good, she knows the business inside out and is always on the lookout for something new, something different to keep us in contention.

"Mind you, it's very tempting working here. With all the wonderful outfits, my wardrobe has grown considerably over the last eight years. Ah well, such is life!"

Carole is the most fantastic support anyone could have