CLEANING company Rainbow International has swept the board in the British Franchise Association Awards, being named the best franchise in Britain.

The firm, with a branch in Wickhamford, near Evesham, cleaned up at the HSBC and Daily Express-sponsored awards after judges recognised its "outstanding development".

Jim Roberts, who operates the Washington Road franchise, said the licence was acquired in 1991 after a buy-out from Mansfield Brewery.

In just over a decade, owner Melvin Lusty has developed Rainbow into one of Britain's most sought-after franchise opportunities and a leading provider of carpet and upholstery care and fire and flood restoration.

In that period, the firm's turnover has grown from almost £350,000 to almost £30m.

It's workforce has expanded to 500.

"Jim Roberts has made a significant contribution to Rainbow's success and is indeed an important part of our winning team," Mr Lusty said.

At this year's awards, businesses were asked to demonstrate how they had maximised opportunities in the face of change, such as shifts in market forces, network growth, new technology or legislation.

"Rainbow has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the development of the franchise network," said Cathryn Hayes, HSBC's national franchise manager.

"It has made a dramatic move away from the days of one-man-and-a-van cleaning.

"It's an excellent role model."