Stephen's big smile and friendly service make him a real favourite at Asda Middleton Park

Forty-one-year-old Stephen, who has learning disabilities, has worked at the store for 21 years and has recently been nominated for an Asda service superstar award for delivering great service.

His mum, Janice, who takes him to and from work, said: "The team at Asda Middleton Park always go above and beyond for Stephen – they've been fantastic.

"It's great that everyone in Asda helps him and they are always looking out for him. They have been like that since he started there 21 years ago.

"He's definitely more outgoing since he joined Asda and his confidence has really grown too.

"He doesn't mind which days he works, he just enjoys coming to Asda. It gives him a purpose."

Stephen, who also lives with dad, Tom, and brother, Stewart, left Beechwood School in Aberdeen at 18 then went to Aberdeen College for two years to learn social skills.

Janice said: "When he left the college the social work department contacted me and a gentleman came to the house and he asked Stephen what would he like to do, and he said he'd like to collect the trolleys at Asda. So he went to Asda Middleton Park and spoke to somebody there and they just happened to be looking for someone and he's been there ever since."

He started out as a porter, but when he began to have seizures about 15 years ago, which meant he couldn't be outside on his own in the car park, the store sorted him out with a job inside the store instead.

Janice said: "He collects the baskets now and the coat hangars, things like that, and he loves it. He feels that he's helping. He always comes out of work smiling.

"On his 40th birthday last year he got a lot of gifts from colleagues and the management team and he was fair chuffed. They think a lot of him

"With him being there for such a long time he knows a lot of people. He'll come home and say 'such a such a person has been asking for you mum'.

Store manager Grant, pictured here with Stephen, said: "Stephen loves working for Asda because he has so many friends here and likes catching up with everyone.

"The best bit about the job for Stephen is getting the baskets for customers and clearing the coat hangers and tags during his shift and helping his team at front end being as efficient as possible.

"He's an integral part of the team, and all our colleagues and customers always look out for him when he is working. He was delighted to be nominated for an Asda service superstar award for delivering great service."