An Oxford pharmacy worker who saved the life of a colleague has been named "Britain's Most Valued Employee."

Carolyn WoodwardCarolyn Woodward, who dispenses medication and treatments at the L Rowland & Co Pharmacy in Oxford Road, Cowley, was nominated by boss Jonathan Martin for constantly going beyond the call of duty.

She had already made the shortlist of the Unsung Heroes competition, organised by recruitment firm Manpower, when former manager Steve Morgan did not show up for work at the company's Headington branch.

Instead of simply contacting head office and following the procedure of getting a replacement worker for the day, Carolyn went round to his house in Littlemore and found he had collapsed with a heart condition.

If she had not visited Mr Morgan, 43, who lives alone, and dialled 999, it is unlikely he would have survived.

Carolyn, 45, of Waynflete Road, Barton, said: "Steve is my best friend and I would do anything for my friends.

"He had not been feeling well and never answers the telephone, so I went round as I have a spare key. I found him unconsacious on the floor."

Mr Morgan has since collapsed twice again as a result of a reaction to the medication he is taking -- and again been found by Mrs Woodward. When competition judges asked for more details about her after she made the shortlist, Mr Martin told them about her saving Mr Morgan's life. That clinched the title and a holiday to Mexico with husband Kelvin, 51.

Mrs Woodward, who has three daughters Charlotte, 16, Natalie, 14, and 11-year-old Lauren, said it was a "complete shock" when the award was presented to her in the shop, where she has worked for 12 years.

She said: "The Mexico trip sounds great, although I'm terrified of flying. But I suppose working in a pharmacy means I'm in the right place to get something to ease the nerves."

Mr Martin said: "Carolyn is the glue that holds the whole pharmacy together.

"She knows every one of our regular customers and is always ready to listen, chat and help. She thoroughly deserves to win the holiday -- the only problem is, it's hell on earth for the rest of us trying to cope when she's away!"

Carla Torbuck, of Manpower, said: "She gives 110 per cent and goes out of her way to help customers, including hand delivering medication out of hours."