A STRETFORD grandmother has celebrated working at Stretford Mall’s Iceland store for 35 years.

Mary Brown, 71, started her career at the frozen food specialist when the store first opened on March 23, 1981.

“I’ve loved working here and coming to the Stretford Mall every day, but I can’t quite believe that it’s been 35 years,” said Mary, who lives with husband Peter in Stretford.

“When I first started, I had to job share with another woman as the company didn’t actually offer part-time work so we split 40 hours a week between us.

“Since then I’ve worked on every section of the store, from the tills to the frozen section to delivery. It’s one of the things I’ve really enjoyed about working here, we are all trained to be multi-skilled so every day is different.”

Store Manager Sally Hinchliffe said it was a fantastic achievement from Mary, adding that she is a valued member of the team.

“In this day and age, working in one place for so long is almost unheard of,” said Sally.

“Since I’ve been at the store, Mary has been a great help. She’s always got a great big smile on her face and our customers love her.”

Although she was offered management training, Mary chose to stay part-time due to family commitments and said that family has played a key part during her time at the store.

“I’ve seen generations of families shop and work here,” she said. “Customers that used to come in as toddlers with their parents are now bringing children of their own in to do their weekly shop - it’s lovely to see. Former colleagues have had children and I’m now working alongside some of them. It’s great as it brings a sense of family and community to the store and to Stretford.”

Gareth Wilkins, Stretford Mall Centre Manager said Mary was always a friendly, smiling face whenever he visits Iceland. “We’re a big community here and it’s brilliant that Mary has been a part of that community for so long.

"We have many people who have worked at the Mall for a number of years, but to have been here since the day Iceland first opened its doors is a truly remarkable accomplishment.

“On behalf of the centre management team and Mary’s colleague’s throughout Stretford Mall, I would like to congratulate her on her achievement.”

Away from work, family continues to be an important part of life for Mary and she spends time with her retired husband. “I’ve got a great balance at the moment. I still work three mornings a week and it means I get to enjoy time with my husband. We go for long walks at Sale Water Park and both spend a lot of time reading,” said Mary.

“We also get to pick our two grandchildren up from school two days a week and they keep us very busy. I don’t have any plans to stop working any time soon though.”