A Macclesfield opticians has been marking a special milestone.

Retail manager Craig Wollaston recently celebrated 20 years working at Specsavers, located inside the Grosvenor Centre.

Over the last two decades he has gone from welcoming customers at the door to leading the team, serving multiple generations of local families along the way.

Craig said: 'Honestly, reaching 20 years feels a bit surreal as it's a long time to be anywhere voluntarily!

"On a serious note, I'm genuinely proud of it. I've served several generations of some families and it always amazes me to see people who I helped choose glasses as children, all the way through to adulthood.

"What I love most about being a retail manager is the variety and the people. No two days are the same and I really enjoy balancing the commercial side of the business with supporting customers and helping to develop the team.

"It always comes back to people, both colleagues and customers. Get that right and the rest tends to follow. And if you still enjoy what you do after 20 years, you're probably doing something right."

Craig first joined Specsavers Macclesfield in March 2006, having previously worked briefly for the locally owned and run business in 2001.

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Originally from Yorkshire, he moved to Macclesfield at aged 18 and came to Specsavers without a background in optics or retail, having left school to join the Army, where he trained as a chef before a brief stint in telesales.

His entry level role as meeter and greeter proved to be the start of something far more enduring.

Over the years, Craig progressed steadily through the business, taking on roles as dispensing consultant, in-store trainer and retail supervisor before stepping into his current position as retail manager.

The store has undergone many changes during Craig's time - relocating to a larger premises and more than doubling its number of test rooms in the process.

Away from the day-to-day running of the store, Craig has thrown himself into fundraising for causes close to his heart, completing a skydive for the Alzheimer's Society and taking part in the Brave the Shave event for Macmillan Cancer Support, on which occasion he shaved off his then shoulder length hair.

Craig joined Specsavers Macclesfield in March 2006 (Credit: Supplied)

Angharad Butler, store director at Specsavers Macclesfield, said: "Reaching 20 years says everything about Craig's commitment, consistency and love for what he does.

"He genuinely wakes up thinking about the business and how he can make a difference.

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"Over the years, he's played a huge role in shaping the store's culture, success and reputation."

She added: "Craig is the heartbeat of the store. He brings energy, humour and warmth to work every day and keeps things positive, even on the busiest days.

"Craig's journey from optical assistant to retail manager is a real testament to his dedication and passion for the business.

"Customer service is in his DNA, but what really stands out is his ability to balance people, performance and ideas. He constantly brings new ideas and innovation to the table and is brilliant at finding solutions to challenges.

"He keeps momentum going, drives fantastic results and still manages to throw in a few jokes to keep the mood light and the team motivated."

Craig joins colleagues Kelly Webster and Nicola Hughes, who each recently celebrated their own 20-year milestones.