A STIRLING woman has seen retail change around her over her 40 years of service at The Thistles.

Helen Holden received recognition for her hard work at Boots with the shopping centre over the years – as part of precinct's 40 Good Deeds campaign.

The Thistles has been running the scheme since last summer to celebrate its 40th year and to say thank you to customers, staff and the local community.

The final good deed was saved for customer assistant Helen, who was presented with a bouquet of beautiful blooms.

She joined the store at the age of 16 after leaving Wallace High School and originally worked in the cook shop department before moving to the photo department for several years and finally into her current role overseeing cash operations.

Helen, a cycling fan, said: “I was delighted and surprised to receive presentation.

“The time really has flown by. I left school in December 1976 and started in Boots at The Thistles in May 1977 where I have stayed ever since.

“It’s been an interesting journey and I’ve seen a lot of changes over the last 40 years, but I still very much enjoy the day to day buzz and am always kept busy.”

The Thistles launched its campaign in May with a huge birthday party, since then, here have been give aways, the creation of a recycling project, donations and much more.

A spokesperson for the shopping centre said: “The Thistles 40 Good Deeds marked an important milestone in the centre’s history and we pulled out the stops to ensure it was a memorable one.

“Thank you to all of the individuals and organisations who have supported the many activities throughout the centre’s birthday year and congratulations to those who were recipients of a good deed.

“In particular, special good wishes are extended to Helen on her 40 years service”