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Marks & Spencer Stockton

Ann Kallagher Award for Excellent Service for Blind and Visually Impaired Customers 11.00am Tuesday 24th May

The team at Marks & Spencer Wellington Square store in Stockton has been rewarded for going that one step further to make a difference to people with disabilities.

Employees at the store go that extra mile to treat their visually impaired customers well, helping with shopping and making sure a taxi is called to take them home with their purchases. Marks & Spencer also provides audio versions of their magazines, so visually impaired customers are kept up to date on special offers.

BlindVoice UK is therefore presenting Marks & Spencer with the 2005 Ann Kallagher Award for the provision of a blind friendly environment and a supportive, welcoming atmosphere.

George Glass Chairman of BlindVoice UK who will present the award in memory of their founder member said, "The staff at Marks & Spencer are superb and always helpful, nothing is a bother to them, even when they are really busy. There were several nominations but Marks & Spencer received a unanimous vote from the Trustees."

Lynne Crawford, Marks & Spencer Stockton store manager said, "We are delighted to receive this prestigious award. Not only does it recognise our commitment to ensuring our visually impaired customers get the best service possible, we hope it will also encourage many more blind and visually impaired people to use our store. All they have to do is ask for any assistance they may need and we will be pleased to help them in every way we can."

Wellington Square Shopping Centre manager Rob Gildersleeve said: "This award is a huge boost for Wellington Square as our retailers strive for customer excellence. As a centre, we do everything possible under the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) and we are delighted that two stores have now won this award."

Previous winners of the award have been Asda, Boots the Chemist, Debenhams and the Sun Inn, all who won their awards for help with shopping and services.

Anyone interested in contacting the BlindVoice UK can contact them by writing to Christine Durnion, Communication Centre Manager, BlindVoice UK, 27 Yarm Road , Stockton , TS18 3NJ .

Alternatively, they can telephone (01642) 803590/591 or e-mail-christine.durnion@blindvoice.co.uk

Photo Opportunity 10.45 am 23 rd May 2005

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