NOMINATIONS are now open for an award which celebrates the best employees in Trowbridge.

The annual Employee of the Year competition, organised by the Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, aims to find workers who provide the best customer service.

The closing date for nominations is December 31 and the judges will meet in mid January to choose 12 candidates to interview in late January/early February.

Steve Oborne, of Travail Employment Group, the main sponsor of the event for the fourth year running, is chairman of the panel of judges.

He said: "The format will be similar to previous years with six finalists being chosen from the 12 nominees interviewed in their workplace."

The six finalists will face a live interview in the final later in the year. Sarah Usher, who works in Boots, won the coveted trophy this March.

She said: "I couldn't believe it when my name was called out as the winner. I was so shocked and surprised.

"It was a truly momentous experience for me, giving interviews and press photographs and eventually celebrating with my friends and family.

"Even now, eight months later, customers still see the shield in the pharmacy and ask about it.

"It is nice to get a pat on the back for doing a good job and I am very grateful to the Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce for giving me this recognition.

"Retail is not always the easiest job to do and it is nice to get some positive reaction and some reward for doing your best.

"I hope the 2004 winner enjoys the experience as much as I have."