HAPPY-to-help Sharon Horsefield has been named receptionist of the year by Choice Hotels Europe.

Sharon started at the Comfort Friendly Inn, Burnley, eight years ago as a breakfast waitress and last year was persuaded to join the reception team.

General manager Steven Burnett said: "She was nominated for this award because of her pleasant mood and good rapport with customers. You never see her in a bad mood.

"Sharon has worked extremely hard over the past year and deserves this recognition."

Choice Hotels Europe chief executive Tony Potter and managing director Peter Cashman presented Sharon with her award at the annual UK staff presentations in Hull.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.