Norwich singing shop worker entertains crowds on Oxford Street

Published: 5:32 PM May 3, 2011

Updated: 6:20 PM October 10, 2020

A singing Norwich shop worker has performed live in the window of a store on London's busiest shopping street.

Penny Hannant who works in Norwich's Debenhams as a visual assistant, made it through to the final of the Retail Trust Search For A Star competition.

The 22-year-old former Thorpe St Andrew High School pupil, from Great Plumstead, was one of three shop workers who got the chance to perform a number of their favourite songs in front of the crowds in House of Fraser's Oxford Street store.

The competition was launched to raise awareness and funds for the Retail Trust, the only charity that looks after the needs of three million people working in retail, while at the same time celebrating the talent hiding in and around some of Britain's best known shop fronts.

Nigel Rothband, chief executive of the Retail Trust, said: 'Talent in our industry runs deep and we are really proud of our finalists – they have done so well since the competition and all embody the hard-working and passionate ethos that is found within the retail sector.

'The value of this competition is that it not only celebrates success and potential, but it is critical in helping us act as the safety net for anyone with a retail background who falls on hard times and needs someone to turn to.'

The Retail Trust Helpline on 0808 801 0808 is a free and confidential service that provides support and services including access to hardship grants, free counselling and legal and debt advice.