A convenience store owner has been surprised with a prize by Fleur East on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.
Sheraz Awan runs Westerhope Convenience Store in the Westerhope area of Newcastle. The 46-year-old began handing out free loaves of bread to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic and has now given out 150,000.
Manager Julia Boyd, 55, nominated Sheraz for a place on the plane to Florida for the final show. She felt he deserved to be recognised for the work he does for people in the local area.
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At 7.25pm on Saturday night, singer and presenter Fleur East ran into his store followed by a TV cameraman and surprised him live on the show. She told him: "We know you keep this shop open 365 days a year, seven days a week, you work so hard.
"The past two years you've given free loaves, 150,000 free loafs to your local community. We think you deserve a well earned rest Sheraz and so do your regulars."
Sheraz, who has ran the shop for more than 20 years, told Chronicle Live: "I didn't know what was going on, I'm still taken aback. I feel appreciated which is nice. It's unbelievable the amount of people that have turned out for me. I'm still in shock! I'm happy for me and for everyone."
Westerhope Convenience Store sponsor Newbiggin Hall's under 9 football team. Members of the team were asked to come along in their football tops to help Fleur surprise Sheraz during the 'happiest minute of the week' feature on the show.
Crowds of people gathered outside the shop to congratulate him following his TV appearance.
Julia, who lives in Westerhope, said: "I found out in January about the nominations. But I only found out on Thursday that it was actually happening. I only had two days to try and get everyone organised. It was really difficult.
"It was lovely to see his face! He does so much for people, he deserves it."
Sheraz's wife Sadia, 42, who lives with him in the Westerhope area, added: "I had to keep him away from the shop for a few days. Everyday he kept saying 'Can I go to the shop now?' He deserves it, he's been doing this for years."
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