A HIGH-FLYING travel agency manager has landed a top award after her branch helped holidaymakers voyage around the world more than 150 times.
Emma Unsworth, who runs the Horwich branch of Hays Travel, in Winter Hey Lane, was named Manager of the Year at a glittering ceremony hosted annually by Hays Travel North West.
The awards are organised by Hays Travel North West managing director Don Bircham to celebrate the achievements of his more than 200-strong team.
The mum-of-one, from Adlington, who is a highly-experienced travel advisor, was hailed as a 'high-flier' and praised for the vital support she provides to her regional manager.
Over the course of 12 months, Emma and her team of four staff have looked after travel bookings for around 1,500 passengers on an incredible total of 3.75m miles - that's the equivalent of travelling around the globe more than 150 times.
Emma, 35, who has been Hays Travel Horwich manager for 12 years, said: "I was really shocked when they said my name. I really wasn't expecting it. I was actually concentrating more on my dessert because I didn't think I'd win!
"It was a real honour to win the award and it was quite emotional for me on the night if I'm honest.
"I've been doing this job for such a long time now. I just do what I do, it comes naturally, but it's really nice to get that recognition.
"I started at the branch 16 years ago as an apprentice and became manager when I was 23 so it has taken me a while to get this award!
"I couldn't have done it without my team. Anyone who knows me will be aware that I always say it's a team effort and I couldn't do my bit without them doing their bit.
"We're really close to our customers which is the main reason why the branch is as successful as it is. We regularly get five out of five for our customer service - it's what we do best."
Don Bircham, Managing Director for Hays Travel North West, which is the main partner of the Sunderland-based Hays Travel, said: "One of the key reasons for our ongoing success is the first class service our staff provide for our customers.
"We offer sound, independent travel advice and most importantly we listen to what our customers want so we are able to book them the perfect holiday. This is at the very heart of what we do as a company.
"The annual awards evening is an opportunity to reward the hard work that makes this happen and ultimately creates the thriving business we currently have.
"I'd like to congratulate Emma on winning the Manager of the Year award, which was so richly deserved, and thank her for her hard work and dedication.
"She is not only a loyal and highly respected member of the team but she always goes the extra mile for both her customers and colleagues. We're very lucky to have her."
Emma believes the strong bond the branch has with its customers, coupled with the team's travel knowledge, is key to their success.
She said: "We've got a high repeat customer base. Personally I've got customers who have booked with me since I started 16 years ago.
"I've watched them bring their young children in who have since gone on to college! You get to know what they want and we even have some customers who come in and let you pick the destination for them.
"We have a lot of knowledge which the customers appreciate. I've done cruises, a safari trip in Kenya, a tour of Sri Lanka, the Maldives and city breaks but my favourite destination will always be Florida because it's where I got married."
To contact Hays Travel Horwich, call 01204 468069 or Facebook is @HaysTravelHorwich