An M&S colleague is celebrating 40 years of special memories working at the store.

Carol Cowden began her career in the horticulture department before becoming an executive supervisor at the Hamilton shop.

The store holds many memories for Carol, who sees her colleagues more as a family - literally, as her daughter Rachel followed in her footsteps and spent a period of time working for M&S.

Carol has attended every major event including her colleague Jan's wedding - and she even used her leadership skills to try to invite Sir Rod Stewart after spotting him on her way there. 

When the Hamilton store moved location in 2022, Carol was the last person to lock up and she was front and centre to cut the ribbon with Percy Pig at the new store. 

Four decades into her time at M&S, Carol was invited to London with her husband Graham to celebrate the milestone anniversary. 

She joined over 200 colleagues who were personally congratulated by the supermarket giant's CEO Katie Bickerstaffe. 

Carol said: “I can’t believe it has been 40 years – it truly has passed in the blink of an eye! I have been lucky enough to meet some incredible people during my time at M&S and delighted I got to bring my husband to celebrate this milestone with great people.

"It was a really special time having my daughter work alongside me and not something many people get to experience.

"Being asked to cut the ribbon at the new Hamilton store was a real honour and something I’ll never forget.

"I’d like to thank everyone at M&S for making my 40 years so wonderful and here’s to the next milestone!”

Kenny McCracken, who is the store manager at M&S Hamilton, added: “I’d like to congratulate Carol on this amazing milestone on behalf of the whole team!

"She is a fountain of knowledge and our store wouldn’t be the same without her.

"Thank you for all of your hard work and the time you take to train new people – you are adored by colleagues and customers.

"Here’s to the next milestone!”