An inspirational teenager is taking it upon himself to work mammoth shifts to help out his local pharmacy.

Sebastian Ashby, 16, has been working ten-hour long shifts at a Leigh chemist to help solve a staffing crisis.

With five members of staff in isolation, the Derix Healthcare Pharmacy, in London Road, have relied on Sebastian in recent days to continue serving customers.

Ash Najdaghi, the owner of the chemist, told the Echo having him around has no doubt helped the chemist to stay open. He said: “He’s been amazing for his age. He’s so helpful. He is happy to do anything.

“There’s constantly a massive queue outside.

“It’s been very stressful.

“Having five staff in self-isolation makes it very difficult.”

Sebastian’s mum, who did not wish to be named due to her work in the NHS, described how proud she is of her son.

The 42-year-old,said: “The whole family are delighted. I didn’t expect it of him. His twin brother wouldn’t go near a chemist.

“He’s slogging his guts away. He’s a hero in my eyes.

“He worked a ten hour shift on Saturday.

“He deep-cleaned the whole chemist and helps dispense the medicine and serve patients.

“I took pizza to them over the weekend.

The proud mum added: “There needs to be some positivity at the moment.”

She also lauded the chemist and fellow NHS staff for their hard work during the coronavirus pandemic.

She added: “Sebastian did three weeks work experience there in October. He loves it there. He would work there every day if he could.

“He loves working with Ash. He told me that he’s a role model and an inspiration,

“I wouldn’t let Sebastian work there unless there was lovely staff.

“They’re amazing. They’re working so hard at the moment.”