A WAREHOUSe worker has been recognised as a regional winner of a national award.

Desmond Acquah, who works at the Amazon sortation centre in Haydock, was named a regional winner in the That’s BENtastic! awards.

The awards, run by the operations arm of Amazon’s Black Employee Network (BEN UK Ops), acknowledge employees who have made significant contributions to their community, supported others from black ethnic backgrounds, or positively impacted others.

Desmond, who has been with the Haydock centre for three years, was nominated by colleagues for his dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

His efforts earned him the title of That’s BENtastic! regional winner, along with a £500 prize package.

Desmond said: "People can be very reserved when they join a new workforce, particularly if they don’t feel like their English is strong or they can’t communicate well.

"A universal language is a smile.

"If you smile at people, chances are they’ll smile back.

"That’s how you start building connections and breaking down barriers, which is important for creating diverse, welcoming teams.

"The Haydock sortation centre feels like home to me, and I want my colleagues to have the same experience."

Desmond's dedication extends beyond the workplace.

He has been instrumental in supporting refugees in the local area.

Earlier this year, he recommended a £2,000 donation from the Haydock centre to Manchester-based charity, Embassy Village.

The charity provides homeless people with their own front door in a purpose-built village of houses, some of which are home to refugees.

Desmond visited the charity to understand the needs of those using its services and discuss further help from the sortation centre.

As a result, Amazon in Haydock is now working with Embassy Village to help people into employment.

Speaking on why he was awarded the That’s BENtastic! award, Desmond said: "My philosophy is do unto others as you would do to yourself.

"If something makes you happy, aim to do that for other people.

"When people are happy and comfortable, they’ll be open to asking for help and working to the best of their ability.

"You also never know who’s looking up to you, so keep smiling."