WORCESTERSHIRE'S utility provider Western Power Distribution has been named utility of the year in the 2014 Achievement Awards in London.

Organised by Utility Week magazine, they are the main awards event in the utility industry and WPD was the only electricity or gas distribution business to be shortlisted for the top award.

Fending off competition from dozens of other businesses in water, gas and electricity, WPD had been shortlisted as utility of the year with Affinity Water, Good Energy, OVO Energy and United Utilities.

In judging involved scrutinising performance in customer satisfaction, stakeholder return, sustainability and corporate social responsibility, staff development and stakeholder relationship.

Robert Symons, WPD chief executive, said : "It is immensely pleasing for WPD’s many successes of the past 12 months to be formally recognised by peers in the shape of the utility of the year accolade."