ASDA'S events manager has received a rare lifetime achievement award for her service at the Rawtenstall store.

Yvette Jackson, 32, has been awarded the highest form of colleague recognition within the company and is the first worker to receive the award in the Rossendale branch.

At the store for ten years, firstly on the check-out then onto the fresh meats department and then as a "golden greeter", she was finally appointed as the store's events manager three years ago.

Yvette's varied career has helped her notch-up the relevant criteria to win the award.

She said: "It is really hard to win this award so I was shocked when I found out that I had.

"Only a handful of people in the stores nationwide have actually got one of these awards so I feel really honoured."

To win the lifetime achievement award, nominees must gain 100 per cent from a mystery shopper, receive a customer nomination and demonstrate community involvement.

She added: "Because I have been given the opportunity to work in a variety of roles I feel that this has helped me achieve the award."

Yvette went to Asda House in Leeds to receive the award in front of thousands of other employees and the chart-topping band, Blazing Squad.

She added: "I didn't know who Blazing Squad were until I went home and told my nine-year-old daughter, Paige - who then proceeded to tell me off for not getting their autograph."

Kathryne Grady, general store manager, said: "Yvette shows team spirit each and every day, she is a team player and if anyone needs help with their jobs she will step in and help. "Most of the events Yvette takes part in are outside her working day and for someone who constantly keeps giving up her free time a lifetime award is truly needed.