Congratulations to our fantastic checkout operator Andrew Watson who was named Customers' Colleague of the Year at the Being Asda Awards 2019 in Birmingham.

More than 400 local customers voted for the the 22-year-old who has worked at our Stenhousemuir store for two years with one shopper saying they were "blown away" by Andrew’s energy and enthusiasm for the job.

Another customer said Andrew was “the single most phenomenal member of staff any business would have the pleasure of working for them.”

On top of just being great on a daily basis, Andrew went above and beyond to help a customer who’d had a particularly difficult shift as a nurse. Andrew “went out of his way” to cheer her up and as a result the customer left the store “with a smile on their face."

Andrew – who's mum Marjorie also works on checkouts at the store – said he was "overwhelmed" to have won.

He said: "I just can't believe it. It's just tremendous. I'm so touched that so many people took the time to vote for me. I'd like to thank every single one of them. I just love talking to people and being happy. It's nice to be nice! My mum is so proud of me too."

Of the night itself, Andrew said it was "amazing". He said: "There was a brilliant atmosphere. It was fantastic."

The store's people manager Brenda Milliken said Andrew was a breath of fresh air.

She said: "He is such a lovely, genuine and caring person. Customers queue up just so they can be served by him.

"He is such an enigmatic person and the most enthusiastic and customer focused person I've ever met. It't no surprise that he won the award – he is a bit of a local celebrity. No one deserves the award more than him."

The Community Hero Award went to Bev Ashdown – community champion at our Watford store – who was described by customers as “passionate”, “inspirational” and “dedicated”.

Nominations for this award were made by both customers and colleagues, recognising the amazing work our colleagues do in their local communities.

One customer said: “Bev is a real inspiration and really does show what Asda stands for in the local community."

Bev was overwhelmed to have won. She said: "I'm very proud. I'm just so lucky to do a job which I adore.

"It was a fabulous night, one which I'll never forget. It was amazing, I don't think I've come off the clouds yet."

Bev not only supports Tickled Pink and Children in Need through fundraising events in store, she also works in the wider community helping local projects and causes.

She makes full use of our Asda Foundation grants and has recently helped a charity called Drum (Disability Recreation Unity and Movement) which has converted an old school building into a centre where people with disabilities can attend and socialise together.

Superstore of the year went to our Nuneaton store for "consistently delivering fantastic scores". They’re also strong contributors in their local community and have strong relationships with close their local food banks and colleagues are big supporters of local causes.

And the award for best supermarket went to Wallsend where colleagues had pulled together, putting a real focus on standards for their customers.