CHEERS echoed around Reading's John Lewis department store yesterday with the announcement of the annual staff bonus.

Managing director Gordon Stenson whipped workers into a frenzy during the countdown before revealing the massive 18% bonus.

Mr Stenson told the 300 staff, known as partners: "This is a really exciting day and I would like to thank all of the partners for their hard work. We've managed to hit superb figures for the branch this year, and this is a great celebration of all that we have achieved."

He then invited long-serving Eduardo Garcia to open the envelope containing the magic figure.

Mr Garcia, 64, who has worked at the Broad Street store for 40 years and sells garden furniture, said: "It's a fantastic honour and so unexpected. I'm due to retire next week, but I've really enjoyed working here and I'm already planning to spend my money on a holiday to celebrate my wedding anniversary."

Managing directors across the country announced that a whopping £170m profit would be split between the partners - up from 15% last year and equivalent to nine weeks' pay - following one of the most successful years in the history of the John Lewis Partnership, which includes Waitrose.

Amelia Moores, 22, from Tilehurst, spent last year's bonus on a holiday to Hawaii where her boyfriend proposed. She said: "I'm now planning to spend this money on my wedding in Hawaii next year. I can't wait to start booking it."

Emma Shojaie, 24, also from Tilehurst, added: "This is my first year of receiving the bonus and it's great. I plan to buy my dad a 60th birthday present as well as a holiday to Tenerife for myself."