KING of the Jungle Christopher Biggins was the toast of one of the region's biggest organisations today after he swept in to steal the show at a gala evening.
KING of the Jungle Christopher Biggins was the toast of one of the region's biggest organisations today after he swept in to steal the show at a gala evening.
Biggins - who charmed the nation as he won ITV's “I'm a Celebrity” jungle boot camp - was guest of honour at The East of England Co-operative Society's Oscas awards evening at Suffolk Showground.
The star of classic TV shows, including Porridge and Poldark, handed out the gongs to Co-op gold and silver award winners from across the region.
He told guests he was “thrilled to be part of such a special evening and loved the Co-op and all it stands for.”
The annual Oscas - Outstanding Service to Customers And Staff - saw awards dished out to outstanding individuals and top performing branches.
Among the winners was John Lawrence, a warehouse operative from Paul's Road in Ipswich, who scooped Specialist Retail Employee of the Year.
It was the second event of its kind and Richard Samson, East of England Co-op chief executive, said it had been the best yet.
“Our first OSCAS event last year was fantastic, but I believe it was surpassed this year with Christopher Biggins playing a big part in making the evening special for the many society colleagues who attended.
“It is a great accolade to be nominated for one of our OSCAS Awards, particularly as nominations this year were made by society colleagues.
“Our business is all about co-operation and coming together in this way to acknowledge those who have done something extra special in the past year is very important.
“The Co-op is a very special organisation and I am proud to lead such a fantastic team of people.”
See next Tuesday's Evening Star for an eight-page Oscas special.
Do you know a colleague who deserves an award? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
See Edblog for more on Christopher Biggin's appearance in Ipswich.
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