Sue is the tops (From Malvern Gazette)

Sue is the tops

2:08pm Friday 2nd July 2010 in News

Sue Penny: Top taxi driver

A TAXI driver who “goes the extra mile” for her customers was just one of the Malvern winners at a county-wide tourism awards.

Sue Penny, owner of Sue’s Taxis and Classic Cabs, triumphed in the annual Worcestershire Welcome Awards for her outstanding customer service.

The 55-year-old from Knapp Way had reacted with complete shock to find out she had even been nominated for the awards. “I said ‘I bet I have won the African Lottery and you want my bank details as well’ because it just sounded out of this world.”

The mother-of-six grown-up children started the business in 2002 and has steadily built up a loyal band of customers who appreciate the personal touch.

“It’s just about extra customer service like going into the shops with people who find it difficult to shop on their own. I enjoy my job and don’t look at it as difficult. I enjoy making people smile.”

Mrs Penny, who also runs Penny Ha’penny Horse Rescue sanctuary in her spare time, reacted with disbelief as her name was called out from the podium on Wednesday evening (June 30). “I just stood there with my mouth open like a goldfish,” she added.

Malvern Spring Garden Show won the Day to Remember category, with Upton Jazz Festival getting highly commended, while Bransford’s Eco Cafe was highly commended for the Sustainable Tourism Award, St Ann’s Well was highly commended in the East and Drink Worcestershire category and the Cottage in the Woods was highly commended in the Hottest Independent Hotel category.

The awards, held at Orchard Café in Worcestershire Woods Country Park and hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester’s Howard Bentham, were organised by Visit Worcestershire.