THE launch of the new M&S at Ravenhead Retail Park saw more than just one celebration as 70-year-old employee Emmie Stanhope was awarded for 50 years of service at the firm.

Gran-of-three Emmie, from Prescot, celebrated the milestone with colleagues and customers on the opening day of the new store on Thursday, March 14. Emmie has held several roles in the St Helens team for the last 42 years and started her career at M&S Liverpool in 1969 and made lifelong friends with colleagues and customers in the process.

To mark 50 years, she was presented with a bouquet of flowers by head of region Pete Swallow and M&S retail, operations and property director Sacha Berendji.

The mum-of-one said: “I have absolutely loved my time at M&S, and it’s been wonderful to look back on all the occasions and milestones I have celebrated with my colleagues.

"One of my most memorable moments is my first interview. To find out I’d got the job was an incredible feeling - I was so excited after years of admiring the store and popping in for lunch.

“My favourite thing about working for M&S is that it’s a happy place – there really is a strong family spirit across customers and colleagues.

"To celebrate this major milestone and be surprised by Sacha Berendji on the day of our store opening has been wonderful. I’m not sure how the team managed to fit it in or get away with arranging it without me realising.”

Lucy Grimes, store manager at M&S, added: “Our opening day at Ravenhead Retail Park was a special day for everyone. We started a new chapter for us in St Helens while also having the opportunity to celebrate Emmie, a valued member of our team.

"Emmie is a delight to work with and we were thrilled that we were able to surprise her and thank her for being part of our store family.”