STORE manager Alison Hayden got a most unexpected Christmas bonus -a visit from a former world motorcycling champion.

The manager of motorbike clothing and accessories store Hein Gericke, in Northgate, Darlington, met five-times world champion grand prix racer Valentino Rossi at a company event in London.

He presented Ms Hayden with a signed replica racing helmet as a reward for her store selling a record number of helmets this year.

She said: "To meet a motorcycling legend, just for doing my job, is absolutely amazing. It is certainly a Christmas present I'll never forget."