AN estate agent in Worcester is celebrating after winning a top award courtesy of the votes cast by buyers, sellers and landlords.

R A Bennett & Partners’ office in Foregate Street won the Gold Award at this year’s estate and letting agent awards.

The annual awards, known as the Estas, recognise the best offices in the UK for delivering outstanding customer service.

They are the only awards of their kind in the industry and are based purely on the votes of buyers, sellers and landlords.

More than 400 agents took part and 19,000 customer votes were received, making it the largest survey of its kind in the property industry.

Caroline Preston, senior branch manager at Worcester, said: “I am delighted and honoured to receive this award and would like to thank all our customers for their votes.

“We pride ourselves in offering a high standard of service and to win this award is the icing on the cake.”

The award was announced by Phil Spencer, presenter of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location property programme at a special ceremony held in Mayfair, London.

Mr Spencer said: “By entering the awards, agents have put their reputation on the line, they’ve been brave and they’ve done what others are afraid to do. They’ve said to their customers and their competitors that they believe in providing the best possible service and they want to prove it.

“They’ve been recognised for their bravery and all the hard work involved to win.”