When Asda in Fosse Park first opened its doors in 1980, Pam Downes was among the first employees.

After working in Leicester's declining hosiery trade and fearing she might end up unemployed, Pam was delighted to be chosen by the new store – and that delight never faded for her.

This week, customers have been moved to tears at hearing of Pam's departure after 32 years working for the company.

At the age of 72, Pam has decided it is time to go.

She said: "I've been there a long, long while and it's very sad but I think I'm doing the right thing.

"I shall miss everyone – the girls I work with and the customers, too. One was crying on Friday when I told them.

"I'm sorry to go but I've enjoyed it from start to finish."

All but two of Pam's year's with the supermarket chain have been spent at Fosse Park, and most of them on the cigarette kiosk.

She said: "I was born in Settle, in North Yorkshire, and came to Leicester with my husband when I was 23.

"I'd worked in hosiery before and that was going down the pan, so I applied for Asda stacking shelves not expecting to get a job.

"In 1987, my husband took me north and for two years I worked at Lancaster Asda, where they put me on the cigarette counter.

"It was a different pace of life up there. I remember them saying, 'Pam, will you slow down, you're not in Leicester now'.

"I was always dashing here and there."

In 1989, Pam's 26-year marriage ended and she moved back to Leicester and the kiosk at Fosse Park Asda.

Her last working day is February 27.

Paul Jepson, customer services manager at the store, said Pam would be missed.

He said: "She's a fantastic colleague and has lots of loyal customers."