Best pals Nicky and Helen who started work at our Elgin store on same day 30 years ago

Service colleagues Helen Farquhar and Nicky Leslie started working at our Elgin store on the same day 30 years ago – and they've been great friends ever since!

Each year they like to celebrate their Asda-versary together, whether by going out for a meal or having a cup of coffee in a cafe!

Helen, who's 49, remembers going for her interview in 1993 like it was yesterday. She said: "I was looking for a job as I was unemployed and Asda were looking for night shift colleagues. When I went for the interview though they said, because I'd had some retail experience, that I could go on the tills.

"At the time we were in the old Asda site which is across the road from the one we are in now. I think we moved in there about 24 or 25 years ago."

Helen, who has an eight-year-old daughter Alana, said: "The 30 years have gone so quickly. Being here so long you get to know a lot of the customers.

"Nicky and I don't work similar hours at the moment – we seem to be like passing ships – but as we've been pals for so long we always text each other. We are really good friends and we are always here for one another."

Nicky, who's also 49 and works mainly on the store's kiosk, said: "One of my old neighbours used to work in the old Asda and she brought me the application form. I was unemployed at the time. I had the interview and by the time I'd got home I was told I'd got the job!

"Helen and I usually go out for a meal on our Asda-versary. She's like the little sister that I don't have – a very good friend. I'd be lost without her."

Nicky has been a strong supporter of our Tickled Pink campaign which raises money and awareness for Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel!

In 2013 she had her head shaved and raised £500 as her late mother Maureen had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Kaye McLeod, the store's customer trading manager, said Helen and Nicky were both very popular colleagues.

She said: "We'd like to say a massive well done and thank you to Nicky and Helen for completing an amazing 30 years of service with Asda.

"With them both starting on the same day they try to have a yearly get-together where they meet up to celebrate their time in Asda.

"Nicky is famous for her Tannoy announcements and loves a hug! She's even shaved her hair off to raise money for charity.

"And Helen has spent her whole career so far on front end and is the consumables queen within the department!"