Last updated at 15:13, Tuesday, 19 June 2012

A UKRANIAN shopkeeper in Ulverston says her loyalty will be tested when her country meets England in tonight’s Euro 2012 match.

SWEET SUCCESS: Ukrainian Kristina Henshall, owner of confectionery shop Samovar, in Market Street, Ulverston, says she’ll be happy if either Ukraine or England win

Kristina Henshall, owner of well-known confectionery shop Samovar, in Ulverston, says she has been chatting about the upcoming game with her customers.

Mrs Henshall said: “I am not all that interested in football but I was quite impressed when I found out Ukraine were in the competition.

“Obviously it would be nice if Ukraine wins, with me being Ukrainian, but because I live in England I feel loyal to the county and so I would also be happy if they win.

“I live in England and I love England but I am Ukrainian so that is in my blood. I love them both.”

With the pressures of running her own business, however, Mrs Henshall expects to be spending more time worrying about the Market Street shop and her customers than the outcome of the football match.

She said: “My customers are really brilliant and I enjoy talking about the football with them. I really like that my customers know that I am Ukrainian and show an interest in my country.

“I think this football match has been an excellent way to get to know my customers better.”

First published at 13:29, Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk