OUTSTANDING retailer Rachel Fellows is celebrating after clinching a national title.

The 19-year-old from Ellesmere Port has been awarded The Skillsmart Retail Apprentice of the Year accolade from Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis.

Rachel, who works at the Papermill Shop at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, scooped top prize at the Skillsmart Retail Rising Stars Awards held at London’s glitzy Grosvenor House Hotel.

She said: “This means everything – I can’t stop shaking. I’m just made up because I didn’t think I’d get this far.

“I sat next to Theo and had a lovely chat to him about all his businesses and what my ambitions are and what I aim to achieve.

“I’ve enjoyed doing my apprenticeship course because I’m passionate about retail and passionate about my job.

“I love working with people and I enjoy doing what I’m doing. I can’t wait to take the trophy home.”

Theo Paphitis added: “I congratulate Rachel for winning the apprentice of the year award.

“She is an inspiration to the industry and a great example of the drive, commitment, enthusiasm and sheer passion required to make it in retail.

“Rachel shows every sign of becoming one of tomorrow’s retail leaders and I look forward to seeing her develop her career in what I believe to be the most dynamic and exciting industry.”

Rachel wasn’t the only Ellesmere Port worker at the awards ceremony.

Also in the Apprentice of the Year category was Laura Morgan, 21, from Columbia Sportswear, and in the National Skills Academy for Retail Learner of the Year category was 17-year-old Faye Furnival.

They, along with Rachel, all accessed their training through the Cheshire Oaks Retail Academy, a member of the National Skills Academy for Retail and part of West Cheshire College.

Anne Seaman, chief executive of Skillsmart Retail, said: “To have three nominees, including a winner from the Cheshire Oaks Retail Academy, is fantastic news for them and shows that there is a great pool of retail talent in the North West.

“Our warmest congratulations go to Rachel as well as Laura and Faye and we look forward to following their careers as they progress.”