A pensioner who greets diners at the Trafford Centre has been hailed a legend by shoppers – with many backing a campaign to treat him to a holiday as a thank you for years of fantastic customer service.

John, who works in The Orient food court, was praised in a Facebook post to the Trafford Centre, which has been shared more than 1,000 times, with over 12,000 likes.

It was posted by Akeim Mundell, 22, who visits the centre once a week.

It reads: “Dear Trafford Centre. This is just a message to inform you about how great a member of your staff is who works in The Orient (the food court).

“He is an elder man called John (he is in the picture but unfortunately it isn’t clear - taken this evening).

“I’ve realised that John has been working for you for many many years now... and despite how much it is obvious that John struggles with his work due to his age, he still always has a big smile on his face.

“He is such a friendly, bubbly man who makes all guests at The Orient – Trafford Centre feel welcome.

“Each time I visit, I see him working tirelessly – cleaning the tables and the floors in order for The Orient to look it’s best.

“Today I saw some young boys drop their rubbish on the floor... John picked it up straight away and said ‘Enjoy the rest of your day boys’ – this says it all.

“John always tries to make conversations with all... and to be honest, after Johns conversations you always feel good, from all of his positivity.

“You may think that this is normal but I wanted to take the time out to let you know how awesome and helpful your member of staff - John is.”

In fact, people were so grateful to John, they launched a fundraising page to raise money to send him on holiday.

The page has already raised more than £420, with the figure growing by the hour.

Akeim added: “He’s been there for years, and hasn’t changed since when I used to go with my parents.

“Everyone knows him because of how kind he is. He’s such a great man.

“He makes everyone’s trip to The Orient an enjoyable one!”

Hundreds of people have commented on the post, them too praising John for everything he does.

Kim Clayton wrote: “John has helped me when my child was unwell and throwing up and he got me a jug of water and was so kind and helpful and he was so approachable we need more Johns in the world!!!!!!”

Hannah Schofield added: “Whenever I go to the Trafford centre I always look out for this man. He just makes me smile! So glad that other people notice him too.”

intu TraffordCentre responded on Facebook to the comments saying how proud it was of John.

It said: “Thank you so much to everyone for the fantastic feedback for John in the Orient. We love it when any member of our team is recognised for their amazing customer service!

“Rest assured we’re celebrating his great work here at intu Trafford Centre with our own internal recognition programme, we’re very proud!”

To support the campaign visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paula-dean .