An Asda worker has been hailed as a 'knight in shining armour' for buying a customer's shopping when they forgot their PIN number.

Keith Smith, who works at The Gillingham Pier store, stepped in when it became apparent a woman in her 70s was becoming anxious and distressed as she couldn't remember the PIN at the checkout.

The 56-year-old service colleague, who has worked at the store for five years, said: "I was just walking past the checkouts and saw a colleague talking to the lady who was a bit panicky and upset. I asked what the matter was and they said she'd tried to use the card twice already, but couldn't remember the number.

"I advised her not to try a third time as her card may have become blocked. She had no cash on her so I just said to her that I'd pay for her shopping. I think it was about £12. She was extremely grateful and I just said to her to enjoy her food and that I didn't want the money back.

"I believe in treating people how I would want to be treated. I like to make people happy when they are shopping with us."

Julie Lennox, the store's general manager, said colleagues were proud of Keith's actions in the incident last month - which had led him to be nominated for an Asda 'service superstar award'.

She said: "It really was excellent what Keith did; such a kind act. He is a very conscientious person and helpful at all times. He's very much a people person."

And the store's community champion Diana Morgan added: "You really were a knight in shining armour Keith. Thank you, what a lovely thing to do."