If you are going to dazzle the consumer from hell with your customer service ability then you've got to be good.

As easy as ABC: Yet again smiling John Leonard makes diabetic Ron Godfrey (right) happy

The consumer from hell was Ron Godfrey, business editor of the Evening Press, who last year deliberately caused mayhem in a number of supermarkets in order to test and measure the patience and temperament of their staff in an article.

The dazzler was John Leonard, 54, for whom kindness, compassion and consideration towards his customers in the restaurant at Asda at Monks Cross, York, is as easy as ABC.

Ron, off duty from his temperament-testing noticed that every time he popped into the Asda restaurant for a meal John was eager to help him.

A diabetic, Ron has special needs that don't always coincide with the menu.

Where other restaurant staff may have flinched, John consistently intervened to help.

"I know exactly what this gentleman wants. Leave it to me."

So impressed was Ron that he called the manager and reported: "Whatever you're paying this man, double it."

And on the strength of that praise John has now won a coveted Asda ABCD award which stands for services Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.

Welshman John, who learned his chirpy customer care approach as a silver service waiter and cook in the restaurant cars of the Red Dragon train between Cardiff and London, will formally receive his medal on Tuesday, February 8, when the Asda management will prepare him a celebratory lunch.

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