A travel shop in the town was first choice for judges when top awards were handed out.

First Choice at 35 Marina Drive, Ellesmere Port carried off the north west title for overall performance and customer service in the First Choice and Thomson regional awards.

A delighted Julie Smith, a branch manager for just over eight years and almost 11 years with the company, was on hand to collect the award, presented at The Village Hotel in Bromborough.

Meanwhile, sales consultant Clare Buffel, from Ellesmere Port, added to the joy by carrying off the regional award for customer service for her ‘outstanding’ contribution to sales.

Clare has been with the travel company for almost nine years.

Julie said: “We were absolutely thrilled to pick up these awards and currently have them on display in the shop.”