A CALL centre worker is looking forward to her wedding after winning £1,000.

Rachel Hetherington, a lead training officer at npower's Peterlee call centre, won the cash after beating more than 900 other nominees in a national competition.

Titled I own the issue, the competition encouraged staff to take full responsibility for customer queries.

The contest, which was supported by the consumer watchdog Energywatch, saw 3,000 staff in npower's UK offices nominate colleagues who had demonstrated outstanding customer services.

All those who were shortlisted received prizes which ranged from £25 to £1,000.

Ms Hetherington said: "When suddenly someone ran into the office and told me that I had won, I could not believe it.

"I was nominated by my senior training officer, Joyce Munkley, for a training pack that I put together.

"A few system changes had been implemented in the back offices but the customer services department was not aware of this change.

"I spent several months putting together a training pack that would enable the department to work more efficiently, ensuring the benefits could be passed on to the customer.

"Me and my fiancee, who also works for npower, are getting married this June, so the £1,000 will go towards making my wedding day extra special."