A Bolton travel agency boss has landed a major award at a glittering event in Chester after a year of success which will see her jetting off for a special three-day five-star Turkey trip.

Gemma Bate began last year running the Hays Travel North West shop in St Helens and finished in charge of the company’s Bolton agency and as their Manager of the Year for Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Gemma has worked in travel for over 20 years, since leaving school, and she said: “I just love it, if it’s in your blood then that’s what you want to do.

“From a really young age I was always really interested in travel, from when I used to go with my mum and dad to the travel agents.

“I joined Hays as assistant manager at Widnes in 2017 and I’ve loved it. I love the sales, the customers, and the travel.

The Bolton News: Ian CooperIan Cooper (Image: Supplied)

“It’s like a family and Hays is very family-orientated, everyone just gets along.

“People save up for a holiday and spend a lot and for you to help them enjoy that holiday is very fulfilling.”

Gemma’s partner lives in Bolton and she took over Hays Travel’s shop there last year.

The awards are organised annually to celebrate the achievements of the Hays Travel North West team.

Managing Director Don Bircham said: “It has been a fantastic year and the awards are our way of saying thank you to our wonderful staff who have done such a great job over the years.

“This year we have seen record sales and people really have been keen to book their holidays and they have been beating a path to our doors for the professionalism, expertise, and friendliness of our staff.

“Through Hays Travel we can offer a brilliant choice and we are not aligned to any particular tour operator so we can sell a wide range of holidays which fit the customer’s requirements.

“We’re sending more people on holiday than ever before and so we’re sending our award-winners away on a break of their own as a reward.”