A POPULAR figure in the Chirk community has completed 30 years of service at one of the town’s shops.

Linda Nurse is a familiar face to many in the area, after working in the Co-op store, in Holyhead Road, since 1990.

Her daughter, Victoria, posted on Facebook about her reaching the 30-year milestone at the store, and the post received more than 750 likes and almost 250 comments.

The shop, which is now owned by the Co-op, was formerly known as Neighbours, before the popular British convenience store took over.

During her time at the store, Linda has worked alongside 14 different managers, and has become friends with many who use the shop.

She said one of her favourite things about her job is being friendly with customers and getting to know them.

“I know a lot of people here,” Linda said. “It’s one of the nice things about the job.

"I speak to everyone here and it’s just nice to be friendly with them.

“I’m normally on the till in the mornings so I spend a lot of time talking to people. You get to know people more as friends rather than just customers.

“It’s really nice knowing everyone on first-name terms, and even if I don’t, I’ll still give them a friendly smile and say hello.

“It’s been so nice to see the reaction from people – I’m just hoping I can do another 12 months now before I retire, but it’s a job I love and they have been really good to work for.”

During the coronavirus lockdown, Linda has still been working in the shop, and has been doing all she can help regular customers in need.

She said: “At the moment I’m taking shopping and food for three elderly people nearby who usually use the shop, but can’t come in at the moment as they’re self-isolating.

“It has quietened down in the shop a lot in the last week because of the virus outbreak, but I thought I’d like to help where I can and deliver to those few who need it.”

Also in a bid to help others, Linda has organised a lot of the store’s charitable efforts over the years.

She explained: “I’ve often organised raffles that we have going here and hampers and other charity events.

“These are to support our local charities – this year we’ve been supporting the AAAs and the children’s football team there.

“We usually do a Bonus Ball every week but at the moment we’ve stopped that.

“I also do line-dancing with my dance teacher, Sandra Speck, and we visit the home in Chirk Court and perform there for the residents there.”