These are not just staff, they are outstanding Croydon M&S staff who have been honoured for their work with unemployed people.

The team at Marks and Spencer Croydon has picked up the outstanding store gong at the retailer’s Pride of M&S Plan A awards.

They were recognised for their work on the company’s marks and start and make your mark programmes, which offer work placements to those who have difficulties getting into work and 18 to25 year olds respectively.

Working with charities including Remploy and Gingerbread to find eligible local candidates, the store offers tailored support to each individual and many of them have gone on to become permanent staff.

Croydon M&S store manager Paul Reeve said: “The work programmes are so important and allow us to offer valuable experience to individuals in our local community who have previously struggled to find work.

“I love my job and am lucky enough to work alongside some inspiring individuals at the Croydon store – and to be recognised for our hard work is the real icing on the cake.”