A catering manager and wedding functions co-ordinator has won a top honour in this year’s Beautiful South Tourism Awards.

Samantha Jeal, who works for Faversham-based brewery Shepherd Neame, picked up the Unsung Hero Award for Customer Service.

Judges praised her commitment to the tourism industry, demonstrated by the huge number of cards and letters of thanks she receives from happy customers.

Shepherd Neame’s visitor centre manager Graham Hukins, who nominated her for the award, said: “Samantha is a dedicated, talented member of the team and we are absolutely thrilled that she has won this richly deserved award.”

Samantha said: “I am overwhelmed to have been honoured in this way. I really enjoy my job, and it is great to get such positive feedback from customers. This award is really for the whole Visitor Centre team, as I couldn’t do what I do without their support.”

She will now be among the winners invited to champion the South and South East of England at VisitEngland’s Tourism Excellence Awards taking place during English Tourism Week in March 2016.