A woman from Bushey has been named the best “executary” in a nationwide competition.

Suzanne Hughes, of Mill Way, was nominated for the award by her employers and went on to be crowned Office Angels Executary of the Year 2009.

David Clubb, managing director of Office Angels, said: “We coined the phrase 'executary' for these awards, which recognise the secretaries who have taken on more executive roles.”

The yearly award was created by Office Angels, secretarial recruitment consultancy, to recognise the role secretaries and personal assistants play in the running of companies across the country.

Ms Hughes said: “I didn’t even know that I had been put forward until I got the call from Office Angels to say I had made it to the final.

"I can’t believe that I have won.”

As personal assistant to the directors of McGinley Support Services Limited since 1998, the 47-year-old manages the office and is responsible for HR, corporate events, facilities management and the smooth running of the busy reception.

Ms Hughes received a luxury spa day at the awards ceremony this November, which were held at London’s Haymarket Hotel.