AFTER 25 years' loyal service, most companies would present staff with a small token of appreciation - such as a carriage clock.

But a Southampton bakery has set a new standard for generosity.

There were tears of joy and disbelief when Rosemary Nand's quarter of a century of service was rewarded with a trip to the other side of the world. Rosemary, of Winchester Road, has been selling bread and buns in Bassett's Crusty Bakery for 25 years and bosses decided to reward her with a dream trip to visit her family in Australia to mark the shop's 25th birthday.

She has long been hankering to visit her daughter and grandchildren in Melbourne and shop bosses could think of no better way to mark the silver anniversary.

Manager Kaivan Storr said: "Rose joined shortly after the shop opened and has been there ever since, holding it together. She is very popular with the customers and everyone knows her. She has been important to our success."

Rose said: "It was a big surprise. I wasn't expecting it. They knew that I keep on about my daughter in Australia and how much I want to see her.

"This is her third year there and I haven't been able to go before. It's a big dream for me.

"I have a granddaughter, Madison, and a new baby grandson, Harrison, who I haven't seen. I'm really looking forward to it. They are brilliant bosses."