TWO Asda employees are preparing to fly to the United States to represent the supermarket at an International Company meeting.

Carole Davis, 39, from Blackburn and Fiona Burns, 37, from Burnley, beat off stiff competition from 350 colleagues to join 17,000 others from around the world at the Walmart shareholders meeting at Bentonville, Arkansas.

They will fly from Manchester on June 2 to spend a week with people from countries as far apart as Korea, Brazil and Germany.

The East Lancs duo had to impress Asda bosses with their vibrant personalities and dedication to the company in exchange for the transatlantic tickets.

Carole has worked for Asda for seven years and has consistently played a central role as event co-ordinator for the store, organising such things as charity fancy dress and no-smoking days.

She said: "I am so excited and it is such an honour for me to go. Since I began here I have always worked for the community involvement and can't wait to get out there and share ideas.

"I am sure I will be able to pick up loads of information and tips and bring them back."

The selection process to be an ambassador for each Asda store involved a special presentation and impressing colleagues with an outgoing and vibrant personality.

Carole and Fiona will spend a hectic week visiting superstores and attending lectures, conferences and exhibitions.