A BOUQUET of flowers was just what the doctor ordered for a Winchester pharmacy worker marking a special milestone.

Jennifer Surrey was honoured after clocking up four decades of service with a city chemist.

The 55-year-old from St Cross joined independent pharmacy Pomeroy's in 1970 and worked at its high street shop before the Lloyds Pharmacy chain bought it 11 years ago.

The loyal employee, who has been based at the store near Winchester Guildhall since 2007, said: “It's a busy branch with a great buzz which keeps me going. There's a real sense of community spirit and it has been a joy to work with the team here at Lloyds Pharmacy. I've made some great friends over the years.”

Graham Betts, the firm's regional director, said: “Jennifer is a highly-valued member of the team. Her commitment to her customers and colleagues over the past forty years is absolutely fantastic.

At Lloyds Pharmacy our staff are incredibly important to us, their expertise and kind-hearted nature is one of the main reasons our customers keep coming back and it's people like Jennifer that are great ambassadors for the company.”

As well as flower the loyal employee was given £200 in gift vouchers and five extra days' holiday.