HRI coffee queen Samantha Womersley has won Costa's top, national award for best and friendliest customer service.

Sam, recently promoted to assistant manager, scooped the "Customer Heartbeat" award  beating 200 others at the finals earlier this month.

Compass site manager, Scott Jones, said in his nomination: “Her cheeky smile and fun personality means she is known throughout the hospital, meaning many regulars come back every day just to see her. She is the store’s rock and we are immensely proud and grateful to have her in our team."

Costa manager, Neil Dale, said: “Sam was Trust staff before Costa took over  yet she adapted to the new structure and different way of working really well. If you cut her in half she’d have Costa running in the middle of her.”

Sam takes responsibility for all key training sessions and when a new range called Old Paradise Street blends was launched her training commitments made it a huge success.

Sam said: “I can’t actually believe I won it, it still hasn’t sunk in and I doubt it ever will. The perfect cup of coffee can only be made with a friendly smile on your face and make the coffee exactly how everyone likes it."