A COSMETIC company worker was delighted to receive a personal pat on the back from her boss -- twice.

Helen Vanrose-Peer, of Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, is being treated to a trip to America, just weeks after returning from an all expenses trip to Dubai courtesy of multi-millionaire Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson.

Helen, 32, a Virgin Cosmetics manager, said she had only just stepped off the plane in Dubai when she was told she would be going to Boston as a 'thank you' for doing her job.

And later this year the mum-of-three will take delivery of a new Rav4 car.

Helen joined the company in February 2001 because she wanted a flexible career to fit around her children, Saphia, eight, Kaid, four and Scarlett, thre.

She has built up a team of 70 people who regularly hold cosmetic parties throughout Lancashire.

Helen, who met Sir Richard at a glitzy awards banquet in London, said: "He's a really nice man and is renowned for generously rewarding his employees.

"He was really impressed by my revealing dress and even mentioned it in his speech which was rather embarrassing.

"But joining the Virgin Cosmetics Company has really turned my life around.

"As well as the all expenses paid holidays, I earn more than I ever imagined, doing a job that I love and that fits completely around my family -- how many people can say that about their jobs?"

Lucy Chisholm, area manager, said: "Helen is fantastic and it just goes to show that people can juggle a family life while having a successful career."