A RISING star from Crewe has beaten more than 100,000 people to be named as the McDonald’s 2014 Employee of the Year.

Ed Whalley, 17, started as a crew member at the Macon Way McDonald’s in April of last year.

Ed quickly progressed to the position of Crew Trainer thanks to an impressive work ethic and desire to succeed and achieve.

He has now embarked on the next stage of his career and is training to become a shift manager at Crewe’s newest McDonald’s restaurant on Dunwoody Way.

Ed Whalley said: “I am delighted to be McDonald’s Employee of the year. It is an honour to have even been selected as I haven’t been in the company for very long.

“Working at McDonald’s is rewarding, challenging and enjoyable, and if you really believe that no task is too difficult then we can all achieve something great.”

The award is designed to recognise crew members for their hard work, dedication and outstanding achievements.

Ed was chosen from more than 100,000 employees across all the restaurants in the UK.

As well as working at McDonald's, Ed is now in his final year of College, working towards his A-Levels in Law, Psychology and Drama.

Ed is also part of a theatre group that will visit the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August later this year.

He volunteers at a local radio station, RedShift Radio, where he presents a live show as well as handling outside broadcasts.

McDonald’s Franchisee Eddie Leligdowicz, said: “It’s not just Ed’s natural talent that makes him a great all-rounder, but his self-motivation as well as his attitude to be the best he can at everything he does.

“At only 17, Ed has made a strong and positive contribution to the store he works in, let alone acting as a role model to others.

“He's proven himself to be a real asset to the team with an eager willingness to progress further.

“I think he’s got a bright future with McDonald’s and wish him all the success in the future.”