A WOMAN who has worked at the same shop for 30 years has been recognised for her service.

Marion Cole started as a Saturday sales assistant on the shop floor at Boyes, in Darlington, at the age of 16.

She joined the shop when she left school and within two years she was promoted to work in the office.

She became the office manager at the age of 25, after nine years service.

Now, at the age of 46, she has been presented with a clock, treated to dinner with the board of directors, and enjoyed a party with her colleagues in Darlington.

Ten years ago, she was presented with a gold watch to mark 20 years service.

Mrs Cole, who lives off Yarm Road, said she still loved her job.

"It is a small, family-run company and they are really nice people who care for their staff," she said. Mrs Cole is one of three staff at Darlington who has worked at the shop for more than 30 years. The others are Judy Abbot, in the curtains department, and Maureen Gooding, in haberdashery.

On Monday, Mrs Cole and her colleagues enjoyed a party with wine and cake to celebrate her long service.