Debra Moyhuddin, customer services advisor at Britannia International, has won the prestigious Community Champion title in The Co-operative Banking Group’s national Living our Values Awards.

The awards, which are open to Co-operative Banking employees across the UK, recognise those who actively champion co-operative values and ethics and who provide superlative customer service.   Debra’s success – against some very stiff competition – was announced at a champagne reception held in Manchester, which was hosted by the senior leadership team of The Co-operative Bank.

Customer Services Manager at Britannia International, Don Taylor, who nominated Debra, comments: "Debra embodies our customer relationship ethos to such an extent that she is a role model for her colleagues.  Debra has built up strong relationships with our customers: she always treats them fairly, going above and beyond to ensure they receive the best possible customer service.”

Managing Director of Britannia International, Mark Beresford, offered his own congratulations: “We are absolutely delighted that Debra has been afforded this recognition at a Group level.  She always goes the extra mile in helping our customers, and is tireless in her efforts to support our community and charity initiatives.  Britannia International’s Charity of the Year for 2011 was Manx Mencap; as the “charity champion” Debra was able to combine her workload and get everyone motivated to raise money for the charity.  Manx Mencap is close to Debra’s heart and this was clearly demonstrated by the drive and enthusiasm she showed over the year to raise money for the charity.  The target set by Britannia International was £5,000, but we exceeded that and ultimately raised £8,000.  It was clear that the work Debra put in throughout the year contributed greatly to this amazing achievement."

Debra adds: “It was nerve-wracking to be at the awards ceremony but I was so thrilled to win. To be recognised by your colleagues is the highest accolade. I really enjoy getting involved with the community projects we support at Britannia International; one of the recent highlights was the Junior Achievement Harry Potter weekend – I made dozens of mandrakes and dressed up as Professor Sprout, it was loads of fun!”