A grandmother from Garston who “always has a smile on her face” has been crowned receptionist of the year.

Wendy Loeber has been a receptionist at Mothercare's head office, in Watford, for 11 years and was awarded the honour by staff at Office Angels.

More than 30 receptionists from across south west Hertfordshire were nominated for the award, however, the judges chose the 55-year-old as this year's winner.

Wendy, of Blackthorn Close, said: “I came in one day and I was told I had been nominated and that was it.

“We then had to fill out a form and write no more than 50 words about what makes a good receptionist.”

Wendy, a mother-of-two and a grandmother to five, impressed the judges with a poem about her job and was recently awarded a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of champagne and a trophy.

Wendy added: “It is really lovely. I am over the moon. I didn't expect it at all.

“I absolutely love my job. I know everybody there and it is a lovely place to work.”

As to the secret to her charm, Wendy says: “Everyone is friendly and I am friendly back. It is as simple as that.”

Natasha Layal, from Office Angels, said Wendy's modesty and friendly approach had impressed the judging panel.

She said: “Wendy is always interested. She must see 100 people a day and she makes every individual feel important.

“Wendy always has a smile on her face, she is very welcoming and she is very accommodating when you meet her as well.

“She is just lovely.”

Julie Harrison, a receptionist for Avenir Telecom, and Jacqui Gorman, who works for Sitel, were the other two finalists for the award.