A COSMETICS expert from Newton Abbot is officially one of the top four in the country.

Laima Bieliauskiene has won a Golden Rose award from make up brand Lancome for her work helping customers at Austins department store.

Only four of the awards are handed out in the UK every year.

Laima, 38, who comes from Lithuania and has lived in the UK for 16 years, said: ‘It is so lovely this has happened to me.

‘It’s all about customer service and loyalty to the brand.

‘I love looking after my customers, making sure they get what they need.

‘It’s lovely being back in store as I can do makeovers and advice on colours.’

Laima will receive her award, a golden rose brooch, at a ceremony in London.

Sharon Lobley, cosmetics manager at the Austins department store, said: ‘It’s all about her dedication to the Lancome brand and to Austins. It is based on her figures, how she looks after her customers and promoting the brand.

‘This is so well deserved and I am so pleased for her. She always goes that extra mile for her customers and she has done so well to get this award.’