A beloved Aldi worker known for her dedicated service and community spirit is celebrating her work anniversary having spent 20 years at the same store.

Barbara Yalinkilicli is deputy store manager at the supermarket in Hardres Road, Ramsgate, having first joined in 2004 after previously working as a primary school science teacher in Poland.

After joining as a store assistant initially, she progressed to her current role after just three years.

Bosses at Aldi say Barbara is an integral part of the team and has gone above and beyond in her role over the years, including taking part in fundraisers to raise money for the company’s dedicated charity Teenage Cancer Trust, showing her commitment to giving back to the community.

Speaking of her time at the supermarket giant, Barbara said “Aldi has grown considerably during the time I have worked here, and it has been great to be part of the journey.

“I work alongside an amazing team, and it’s so rewarding to be able to help customers with their shopping – whatever they might need!”

As for a Specialbuy that gets her running to the middle aisle, Barbara said: “I love the dark chocolate, and the Lebkuchen is always the first thing in my basket when it arrives in store.”

Ben Shotter, regional managing director at Aldi UK, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to all of our colleagues and take great pride in celebrating their achievements.

“Colleagues like Barbara have played a key part in our growth and success, and I would like to thank her for her contributions over the last 20 years.

“As well as offering every colleague the job satisfaction they deserve, we invest in a whole range of fantastic training courses year after year, making sure all our colleagues love being a part of Team Aldi.”