The internet's a wonderful tool for researching all manner of news stories, and our thanks to one alert QLocal reader CS who e-mailed reporter Roger Blaxall this link from the EHU news pages from August 2014.

Shamed Vincent Churchill (right) has been sacked by WHSmith from its Moor St. store after appearing at Preston Magistrates in April charged with theft from an employer.

'Edge Hill University’s careers team visited WHSmith Ormskirk last week to present Manager Vinny Churchill with his Student Employer of the Year Award, one of several categories at the University’s annual Employability Awards.

The awards recognise the progress and achievements students have made in developing their ability to stand out from the crowd and the vital support the university receives from employers in enhancing employment opportunities and skills.

Student Samantha Betteridge, who nominated Vinny for the Award, said: “Vinny is extremely understanding of me being a student and the work I have to complete. He ensures my working hours fit around my University timetable and allows enough time to complete assignments. If I am ever in need of help or support, then he is willing to show me how something is done, and won’t leave you to struggle alone. Since working for him, my confidence has grown hugely, compared to when I first began working for the company. I am a completely different person. In the beginning, I would not actively approach customers or even answer the phone. However, now I am fully able to do those things because working here has given me the push I needed to grow as a person.”

This is the second year in a row that an Edge Hill nominated local employer has also won the NASES National Student Employer of the Year award.

Jacqui Howe, Head of Careers at Edge Hill said: “It is important to recognise the contribution that local employers make in providing part time employment to our students. This is not just in terms of financial benefits, which supports their study at Edge Hill, but also in terms of developing their skills and confidence as they journey through their degree programme. Our students are being provided with excellent part time employment opportunities through the relationships which we are developing with our employers, WHSmith being a great example.”'