A hard-working employee and the second of four family generations to work in Fields’ department store has celebrated 20 years’ service.

Barbara Hodge, of Chambers Close, was presented with a gift from company directors for her long-standing commitment as a coffee shop assistant.

Previous experience and an ability to cook landed Barbara the job in 1995 and she went on to run the kitchen before going back to part-time hours.

“I have always loved cooking and we always got on well as a team,” said Barbara, 65.

“Most of us have worked here a long time.”

Barbara’s husband, Jim, worked in Fields’ warehouse for 14 years before his recent retirement and her daughter, Jacky, and grandson, Matheu, have also done stints as company employees.

Prior to this, Barbara’s mother-in-law was the first of four generations to be employed by the company.

Coffee shop manager Paul Grainger said: “Barbara is hard-working, loyal and consistent.

“It has been refreshing, a privilege and a pleasure working alongside her. We are very lucky to have Barbara’s commitment and congratulate her on reaching the 20-year milestone.”