SHOP workers are treated better by their customers in Worcester than their counterparts in the rest of the country.

A recent survey showed that most shopworkers are bullied and physically abused by "cruel" customers, often being reduced to tears at the behaviour of people they serve.

Research from retailchoice.com found that out of almost 800 workers surveyed, virtually everyone encountered rude customers regularly, with almost two out of three being shouted and sworn at.

But a Worcester News mini-poll revealed that customers in the city were generally polite and well-behaved.

None of the shopkeepers interviewed had any qualms about the way they were treated, and, in fact, several raved about local shoppers.

David Witton, branch manager of handbag and luggage shop Russell and Bromley High Street said: "Worcester is a wonderful place to work, the customers are superb.

"I have worked in London and Scotland and have had some problems there, but not in Worcester and I have been here 14 years now."

Ian Quartermaine, of the Mealcheapen Street jewellers of the same name, was also praiseworthy.

"All my customers are very pleasant and far from turning nasty - all they want is a good time and a friendly chat," he said. "I can't think of anything detrimental to say about them at all."

The national survey revealed that one worker had been slapped in the face because he overcharged a woman by 30p.

In another case, a woman became angry when she couldn't reach a shelf because an old man who had collapsed was being revived.

But Barbara Lloyd, manager of the Holland & Barrett store in Mealcheapen Street, said the only customers who turned nasty were the ones turfed out of the shop.

"If we don't trust someone and ask them to leave, they can turn nasty then, but on the whole, customers are very nice," she said.

Karen Baldwin, manager of the gift shop Celebrations in St John's, agreed.

She said: "I have not had any bad experiences and the customers are always polite. We seem to be lucky here in Worcester."