SHOP workers are checking out from a Dorchester store with a total of 119 years' service between them.

The five women celebrated retiring from Marks and Spencer with a champagne reception at the South Street shop.

Veronica Aplin, Helen Curtis, Pauline Davis, Christine Chappell and Glynis Pitman, who all live in the Dorchester area, were praised for their dedication.

Veronica, who has worked mainly in the branch's food department, and former store hairdresser Pauline bow out after clocking up 26 years each.

Veronica, 58, who officially left the shop yesterday, said: "It's generally been 26 great years and I have a lot of nice memories.

"The main thing I'm going to miss is the people.

"I've made some good friends over the years."

Pauline, 58, added: "I worked for over 10 years as a hairdresser for staff in the store before I was moved to the shop floor.

"I've enjoyed working in Dorchester.

"It's nice seeing some of the same faces come into the shop regularly - you build a rapport up with customers which I think is important."

Christine, 59, and Helen, 64, both recently attended a glitzy ceremony in London to mark their 25 years with the company, where they met chief executive Stuart Rose.

Christine, who worked for 15 years in the store's Weymouth branch, said: "The company paid for us to go up to London, put us up in a nice hotel and paid for us to see a top London musical.

"That was a real nice gesture and something I really appreciated."

Helen, who has been employed in the textile department, added: "I remember my first day pretty vividly. It was a nerve-wracking experience."

Glynis, 56, who is taking retirement after 17 years at the Dorchester branch, said: "I've enjoyed working here and 17 years is a long-time, but I've just felt now is the right time to go."

Store duty manager Sharon Hibbs said the five women's

long-service, which totals a combined 119 years, was a fantastic achievement.

She said: "On behalf of the management and the company I'd like to thank all the ladies for their fantastic service over the years. They have all been tremendous employees and not only will we miss them in the store but I'm sure the customers will as well. Working for 25 years in any company is a great achievement and we wish Veronica, Helen, Pauline, Christine and Glynis well in whatever they choose to do."