ACCOUNTANCY firm Rabjohns has won the 'best tax team in a smaller practice' category at the LexisNexis Taxation Awards 2005.

Rabjohns, which just lost out to Taunton rival AC Mole & Sons in 2004, fought off strong competition this year to scoop the prize.

The firm based in College Yard, Worcester, claimed victory at the tax world's very own Oscars-style ceremony at the Park Lane Hilton on Wednesday and hosted by celebrity guest Rory Bremner.

Rabjohns was joined by some of the UK's leading accountancy firms and top tax departments, who competed in a range of categories including 'best high net worth team' and 'best big four tax team', which was awarded to PricewaterhouseCoopers.

"The Awards ceremony is a who's who of the tax profession," said Ian Smith, chairman of Rabjohn.

"To be judged the best in the UK by the leaders in our field is a fantastic result for our outstanding team. This is a vindication of the quality of advice and service available from the best local firms."