AN employee at Gordale Garden Centre is full of the joys of spring this winter.

Joanne Massam, pictured, head of the centre’s floristry department, was named Employee of the Year at the Garden Retail Awards at Grosvenor House, on Park Lane, in London The award is given to the individual who, in the opinion of the judges, has shown the most outstanding aptitude for and commitment to their role in a garden centre.

Centre owner Peter Nicholson said: “I’m absolutely delighted for Joanne. She joined us in 2009 as head of floristry where she immediately set to work reducing supplier costs and improving customer service. With savings passed on to our customers and an improved personal service in store, the sale of fresh flowers increased significantly within the first six months.”

Keen to increase sales further, Joanne developed previously untapped markets including funeral flowers which are now a regular part of Gordale’s business.