FRIENDLY, efficient service was recognised when the results of the inaugural Richmond Retail Awards were announced at a ceremony in the town's King's Head Hotel.

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill topped the poll among shoppers when it was named retailer of the year in the competition, sponsored by The Northern Echo's sister paper, the Darlington and Stockton Times.

The store, in the Market Place, also took the prize for the best customer service.

A store spokeswoman said: "It is just brilliant. We are chuffed to pieces and thank all our customers who voted for us."

Runner-up overall was the Co-op's Friary supermarket, and the Richmond Motor Company clinched second place in the customer service section.

The best new shop category was won by The Bear's Pad, a teddy bear shop in Finkle Street, run by Julie Williams.

The Earth Collection, in King Street, was the runner-up.

Because of the number of nominations, the prize for the best assistant had to be settled by judges Ffion Hague, the wife of local MP William Hague, television presenter Andy Kluz and town Mayor Stuart Parsons.

They chose Norma Marshall, of the Co-op, followed closely by Diane Foster, of the Cross View Tea Rooms.

Mrs Marshall said: "I treat my customers in the manner I would like to be treated myself.

"Quite often, I go into a shop and the service you get is terrible. I like to give it my best and always be cheerful and helpful to anybody who comes in."