A LADIESWEAR assistant from Marks and Spencer was named "Top of the Shops" last night in a prestigious new awards scheme to recognise retail excellence.

Hannah Smith, aged 26, from Worcester, was singled out for being observant and attentive and making the customer feel important.

She beat 41 other sales assistants in the final of the Worcester Welcome Retail Awards, held at the city's Huntingdon Hall.

More than 80 people representing retail stores throughout the city as well as other organisations, enjoyed wine and canapes at the gala ceremony.

The awards - the first of their kind in the city - were organised by the Worcester City Centre Forum with support from Worcester City Council, the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the Learning and Skills Council and the Evening News.

More than 100 nominations, representing a wide range of shops, were received from members of the shopping public.

The nominations were then screened and whittled down to 42 finalists, who were "mystery shopped" by a panel of expert judges to arrive at the first, second and third placings.

In second place was Julie Lewis, from Beatties Clinique department, who was nominated for her product knowledge, being "keen but not pushy" and her ability to manage difficult situations.

In third place was 63-year-old Margarent Bluck from Bridge News, Foregate Street, who is "friendly, helpful and always cheerful".

Winner, Miss Smith, walks away with a weekend for two at the Eden Project, Cornwall, valued at £250, courtesy of the Evening News, plus £100 in Ernest H Jones Jewellers vouchers.

Second prize was a £250 gold necklace from Ian Quartermaine Jewellers plus vouchers worth £50, and third prize was £160 in vouchers.

The awards were presented by the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Robert Rowden.

"The awards have been extremely successful," said Georgia Smith, City Centre manager.

"We are very pleased with how they've gone. The standard of nominees has been excellent overall and it's nice to see such high-quality service in the Faithful City."

Miss Smith said the first Worcester Welcome Retail Awards had reinforced the need for schemes such as this.

"The awards have highlighted the areas that retailers need to concentrate on, so they have been extremely useful.

"All the retailers who have supported the awards this year are already looking forward to getting involved again next year."