WHEN it comes to keeping shoppers happy, checkout assistant Richard Heyes is just what the doctor ordered.

During the medical student's two years of holiday jobs at his local ASDA store in Astley Bridge, he has had plenty of praise.

But now, the 19 years-old, from Redcar Road, Smithills, has won the ultimate accolade - a glowing recommendation from the country's top assessor for customer service exams.

Coreen Thornton AMITD, a former Tesco store manager, is an external verifier for the Royal Society of Arts and chief verifier for Customer Service NVQs nationally.

She wrote to the store: "As an ordinary shopper, of course, this young man had no idea who I was. "I struggled with a large order for a family weekly shop. Richard packed several bags and helped me to ease the trauma of shopping for a large order alone. What a considerate, efficient young man he is."

Coreen said that, although she shopped around, "I can assure you the value and service made me feel like a valued customer.

"I think Richard deserves a pat on the back, and full marks to ASDA training."

Bolton-based Coreen explained: "People are so quick to complain that I felt I had to write about a positive experience. I'm a fussy shopper anyway, so I know good service when I see it."

Richard, who has a twin brother Gregory, attributes his politeness to his mum, Mrs Wiesia Heyes. "She has always taught us good manners," he said.

And Richard's medical skills are also appreciated by colleagues. One said: "When a worker in the butchery department cut his finger, Richard helped and even went with him to hospital.

"He's certainly become our own Doctor in the House."

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