Forecourt sales assistant Tracy Hackett was presented with the Community Hero award as well as the prize for winner of the forecourt category at the Sales Assistant of the Year Awards 2013, organised by Forecourt Trader’s sister title, Convenience Store magazine.

Tracy has worked for Henderson Spar Brackenvale in Belfast, Northern Ireland for nine years, and is described by her manager David Miskimmin as the “pillar of the store”.

Her smart management of the chilled section, which has led to the introduction of new lines and the development of relationships with new suppliers, has contributed to a 15% boost in sales.

As part of her job she mentors a young man with Down’s syndrome, enabling him to become a valuable member of the store’s team. She also volunteers at a Suicide Awareness group, having recently qualified as a counsellor.