WORCESTER-based energy company npower has been voted one of the top 50 business brands in the UK.

The company, known for its sponsorship of test and county cricket, joins an elite group of household names, including Eurostar and British Airways.

The firm, which employs around 650 people at its head offices in Bridgwater Road, Warndon, convinced an independent panel of experts at a glittering ceremony, in London, on Tuesday, it had what it takes to be a "superbrand".

npower issues around 27m bills and answers more than 11m telephone calls every year.

It supplies big name customers such as Birmingham Airport and the English Cricket Squad.

Andy Duff, npower's chief executive officer, said the accolade was even more exciting given the npower brand was only three years old.

"Many established brands take decades to build customer loyalty," he said.

" Most important of all is to make sure your brand has a strong base in good products and customer service."