A saleswoman in Guernsey was rewarded with 40 sausage rolls for 40 years of service.

Kevin Parsons, 56, started working at the island’s Alliance supermarket in 1984.

The bosses celebrated the anniversary by giving him a certificate, a tropical-themed mural for his home and a sausage roll for each of his next 40 shifts.

Mr Parsons, who was described by his superiors as a “celebrity of the Alliance”, said “words cannot express my gratitude” for his gifts.

Employees and managers gathered to celebrate the occasion with a ceremony at the store on Monday.

“It’s been a long 40 years, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Mr Parsons said.

He started out as a delivery worker but moved to the supermarket’s frozen food section 38 years ago and said he keeps warm by “walking.”

“You need roller skates to keep up with me,” he said.

Chris Fish, chairman of Alliance, said Mr Parsons had been a great member of the island community.

He said: “He was exemplary the whole time. He is always there to help you.”

“He does a lot for the community and raises a lot of money for charity, which is very valuable.”

Commercial director Laura Golden said the response to a Facebook post about Mr Parsons’ anniversary showed how much he was “revered”.

She said, “We feel that here. We are equal.”

“It’s great for us. We’re a local, independent retailer and Kevin represents that.”