How often can you say you truly go the extra mile? Or that you have tried your hardest to make someone's day a little brighter?

Eastern Daily Press: Cupcakes baked by Laura's family to help raise money for chairty. Photo: Laura Englestone.Cupcakes baked by Laura's family to help raise money for chairty. Photo: Laura Englestone. (Image: Archant)

For Laura Englestone, customer service supervisor at Lowestoft Railway Station, the answer is everyday.

In the past year she has raised thousands for charity and consistently organised events that brighten the station.

Miss Englestone's hard work and dedication was recently recognised as she was crowned Greater Anglia's Employee of the Year.

However, this came as a shock to the 43-year-old.

She said: 'As far as I'm concerned I'm just doing my job.

'My personality is quite bubbly and I like to get involved in things.'

Miss Englestone received the award at the company's Everyday Legends Awards which are held to celebrate the work done by rail staff across the network.

Judges at the award ceremony were impressed by her efforts to raise £3,000 for charity.

Money was raised for organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support and Help An East Coast Child.

Miss Englestone enlisted the help of her friends and family to produce an array of tasty cupcakes to help raise the money.

She has also been known to turn up on her days off to support colleagues and customers when services are disrupted and regularly decorates the station for informative events such as Trooping of the Colour.

Explaining the reasons behind her unrivalled dedication the award winner said: 'We work in such a close-knit community.

'The majority of the time you see the same faces and you develop a rapport. Customers tend to become friends and it's important you give something back to the community.'

Miss Englestone has been stationed in Lowestoft for the last four years but has been working in the rail industry nearly 15 years.

Speaking of the accolade, Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia's managing director, said: 'Laura really deserves this award.

'She brings so much energy and enthusiasm to her role which makes a big difference to customers and their experience at the station.'

He added: 'I would like to thank her for everything she does, she is a huge asset to the team.'