Artistic celebration of heroes of the pandemic

Customer Services Assistant Paula Parkyn won the chance to have her portrait painted after her name was plucked out of a hat at Shepley Food Store in West Yorkshire.

The artwork was created by local Shepley artist Nigel Proud who has been painting pictures of workers who have been working hard for others during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ms Parkyn said: “I am absolutely over the moon with the picture and really I am so pleased with it.

I cannot thank Nigel enough for recognising the hard work that everyone at Central England Co-op has been putting in during these uncertain times and the other amazing frontline workers. This is a great example of community spirit and I was thrilled to form a small part of it.”

Mr Proud has also painted pictures of frontline NHS workers, including doctors and nurses.

Team leader Paul Van Leeuwen said Ms Parkyn and the entire team were proud to have been recognised for their efforts to support the community during lockdown.

He said: “All throughout the pandemic colleagues have been going above and beyond to make sure that customers have access to all their vital food and essentials.”

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. It has 430 shops across 16 counties.

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