Mrs Graham, who works at the Longford Newsagency, and Ms Price, employed at Marcus's IGA Supermarket, have won a best customer competition conducted by the Longford Rotary Club.

Customers nominated 44 favourite front-line staff from Longford businesses for the inaugural Are You Being Served? competition.

Almost 230 votes were cast during the three-week campaign, aimed at recognising and rewarding superior service in the town.

Mrs Graham, who won the senior award, said humour played a big part in making customers feel at home.

"I have been working here for almost 20 years so I've made some wonderful friends and we enjoy lightening life up with a bit of humour," she said.

Under-20 award winner Ms Price said she prided herself on helping customers and always being cheerful.

"It's important to be friendly and ask how customers are," she said.

Longford Rotary Club's Chris Archer said he was delighted by the strong response and expected the competition to become an annual event.

"We are very pleased at the participation level, but can see ways to improve it next year," he said.

"I thank all businesses for willingly giving their support to the idea, in particular the Northern Midlands Business Association."