AN M&S employee from Winchester has celebrated 50 years with the company at a national awards ceremony.

Kathleen Mabey travelled to London to celebrate along with other employees and Marks & Spencer CEO Stuart Machin.

Kathleen recently travelled joined M&S colleagues from across the country, all of whom were marking milestone anniversaries, ranging from 25 to 50 years, for a celebration event with M&S CEO Stuart Machin.

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Kathleen has spent 50 years with M&S (Image: Google)

Mr Machin thanked all colleagues who attended for their dedication and service to M&S.

M&S has been part of many special memories for Kathleen over the last 50 years, from attending the retailer’s 125th Anniversary party, with the likes of Graham Norton and Diversity in attendance, to helping move the Breast Screening unit from Basingstoke to a clinic closer to home for the ladies of Winchester.

She currently works as a store operations customer assistant at Marks & Spencer in Winchester High Street.

Across all her roles in the store, Kathleen has developed meaningful relationships with her regular shoppers and loves to welcome them with a smile whenever they visit the store.

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She has also met some lifelong friends at work and has been at the forefront of organising many store parties.

Kathleen said: “M&S has been such an important part of my life and my Winchester team feel like a second family. I am so grateful to be part of such an amazing company like M&S, they truly value all of their staff and have been a fantastic support system for my family and me over the years.

"I have seen the store go through a lot of changes and it’s amazing to see how far we have come. It’s also been such a pleasure to attend the celebrant event for the second time - the last time was for my 40th anniversary.

"Both events have been truly spectacular and such a special treat - I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Dylan Chandler, store manager at M&S Winchester, added: “The Winchester store has been blessed to have as wonderful a colleague as Kathleen. She is such an instrumental part of the store and always goes the extra mile for customers.

"She really has done it all while working at the store – no one knows M&S Winchester like she does! We are incredibly lucky to have her as part of the team and I’m thrilled her contribution to M&S was recognised and celebrated as it should be. Congratulations Kathleen from all the team.”