A Darlington car rental company has won a national award.

The local Thrifty car rental franchise fought off tough competition from larger franchises to win the National Marketing Award at the Annual Car Rental Convention for its activities and success over the past 12 months.

Thrifty has embarked on a six-month sales and marketing drive with the help of the Elementary Solutions agency.

It has also developed new services, including van and minibus rental deals, company car opt-out schemes and car leasing, as well as standard car rental services.

Franchise director Brenda Wilson said: "We are over the moon to have won the award. It is fabulous to get recognition for all the hard work we have put in over the past year.

"I can't wait to get back to the team in Darlington and share the Champagne."

Clare Watson, consultant at Elementary Solutions, said: "It just goes to show that with the right approach to marketing and some imagination, even smaller businesses can achieve outstanding success.