A SHOP assistant from Hutton has won a national award for his work in the community which his store serves.

Simon Sims, who works at the Co-op store in Rayleigh Road, bagged the Community Hero gong at the Sales Assistants of the Year Awards ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London on Wednesday night.

He was also crowned best sales assistant in the Multiple & Co-operative sector at the awards.

Mr Sims was nominated for the prize because of the work he does with the community in Hutton, including organising raffles and fundraising.

The shop assistant said he was on “top of the world” after winning.

Mr Sims said: “This is a massive pat on the back and that’s all you want, to be appreciated for what you do.

“I hope I can go on to inspire people I work with and come in contact with.

“It was one thing winning my section, but it’s amazing to be named Community Hero too.”