Georgina Lester from Morrisons in Strood was crowned as The Grocer’s first Hidden Hero at last night’s glittering Gold Awards.

London’s Guildhall was the setting as Lester claimed a prize decided by the votes of thousands of readers on thegrocer.co.uk.

“Our Hidden Heroes have given their all to their companies, often over a lifetime,” said The Grocer’s editor, Adam Leyland.

“But their dedication, hard work, sense of team spirit and community-mindedness – not to mention their not inconsiderable contributions – have gone largely unremarked until now.

“Without these small cogs, the big wheels would never move. So I’m delighted that all the shortlisted individuals for this award received some much deserved recognition – and top billing at the awards.

“Gina the Cleaner, as she is known, is a huge credit to Morrisons, to the industry and to humanity itself, with her can-do attitude and inspirational poems.”

Nisa won the night’s other new award, crowned as Symbol Retailer of the Year.

Morrisons was named Grocer of the Year to cap a stellar night for the supermarket, which claimed Grocer 33 gongs for service and availability and was also named Employer of the Year.

Sainsbury’s successful Brand Match push was recognised as Consumer Initiative of the Year, while its revamped By Sainsbury’s line-up got the nod as Own Label Range of the Year.

Stella Artois Cidre and Walkers crisps were among the big brands to pocket awards.

You can see all the winners and enjoy photographs from last night’s event here.

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