By Sarah Robinson

Published at 11:12, Thursday, 21 June 2012

EMPLOYEES at Whitehaven’s Thomas Cook have clocked up an impressive 100 years of service between them.

Three members of the team each received awards recently in recognition of their individual length of service. The women – Leanne Gaythwaite, Sheila Baxter and Michelle Hodgson – have toasted their success with colleagues and customers.

Branch manager Leanne said: “It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that people in the area keep coming back to book their holidays with us.

“The expertise and insight that 100 years of experience brings with it means that our customers know that they will get the travel advice that’s right for them.

“I am delighted to be able to raise a glass with them. Here’s to another 100 years.”

Among the team is travel consultant Sheila, who served in the RAF before joining Thomas Cook in 1987. She received her 25-year-service award recently.

Leanne began her travel career with Thomas Cook in 1997, and has worked in the travel industry since 1980. She became manager of the Whitehaven branch in 1999.

She is also supported in her team by sales consultant Michelle who has clocked up 10 years’ service with the company. Before embarking on a travel career, Michelle was in the Navy serving on board HMS Illustrious.

Staff say that since the branch opened as Thomas Cook in 1999, the team has booked thousands of package holidays to destinations all over the world.

The most popular destinations for people in Whitehaven include Turkey, Majorca, Florida and Mexico, with a growing popularity for cruise holidays.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk