A BOLTON beauty expert has been named Consultant of the Year at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Chris Reader was given the accolade after completing 25 years at the Elizabeth Arden counter at Debenhams in the Market Place, where she has offered beauty tips to thousands of Bolton shoppers.

Mrs Reader, who lives in Markland Hill, began her career aged 36 at Clinique on a short contract before being offered a permanent position at Elizabeth Arden.

The mum-of-one says she is delighted.

"It is an honour and a privilege to be given the award," she said. "The company gives out one each year and it goes on a number of things such as what you sell and customer service.

"I was in total shock when they said I was up for it. I went to a conference after I had reached my 25 years of service, and when I sat back at the table after being thanked for my time working there, they said they would be doing the Consultant of the Year award. I didn't think anything of it, so when they called out my name I nearly had a heart attack."

Mrs Reader, aged 63, says she enjoys all areas of her job, but specifically administering skin care treatments.

She said: "I love working here. I use the products myself and enjoy helping people with looking after their skin. I do make up demonstrations for customers but it is skin care that I'm most interested in.

"My favourite treatment is the oxygen mask facial. They are only available in selected stores across the country — and Bolton is one of them. It started off in the salon in the Fifth Avenue store, and they decided to bring that experience to some of the stores.

"It's fantastic — it infuses 16 different trace minerals and blasts oxygen and hyaluronic acid into the skin with a cool refreshing mist. It makes you feel amazing."

To book an appointment with Chris, visit the Elizabeth Arden store in the Market Place shopping centre.