Sales advisor Elizabeth Nunoo of Thornton Heath was presented with a ring by M&S chairman Luc Vandevelde and chief executive Peter Salsbury, with other members of the board in attendance during the ceremony held for more than 200 staff from stores across the country.

She was then treated to a champagne reception and a night on the town at a West End show with niece Millicent Lartey. Their special evening was completed with an overnight stay in a West End hotel.

"The customer service provided by staff in our stores across the country is first class, and we are always delighted by the loyalty that our staff show to M&S," said Peter Salsbury. Elizabeth, 50, began as a sales advisor in the Marble Arch store in 1975.