Forecourt Frank goes so close

EXCEPTIONAL customer service... Frank Pullen (centre right) received his SuperStation runner-up award from Paul Muncey, Head of Retail Sales South at Certas Energy, Dawn Johnston and Rachael Colford of category sponsors Fairbanks

A 74-year-old petrol station owner from Lees has narrowly missed out on being named best forecourt assistant at a trade ceremony.

Frank Pullen, who runs Lees Village Service Station on St John Street, was named runner-up in the forecourt assistant (North) category at the 2014 SuperStation Awards at the Belfry Golf and Leisure Resort in Sutton Coldfield.

Frank said: “I’m very surprised that I was nominated. Attended service is something different these days. It’s real service which I aim to provide in an outgoing and friendly way.”

Frank, who has owned the station for 20 years, works full time seven days a week, checking customers’ oil and water as well as carrying out the dying tradition of filling up cars in all weathers.

Ramsay MacDonald, Certas Energy retail director, said: “Frank is an incredible individual, an inspiration to us all and a wonderful ambassador for both Lees village and the forecourt industry.”