AN INDEPENDENT Teesside shoe retailer has beaten off strong competition to be named retailer of the year at the UK Footwear Awards 2002.

Charles Clinkard was also named the best family store at a ceremony in London attended by footwear suppliers, retailers and designers.

The award was presented to Charles Clinkard by TV comedienne and presenter of Channel Four's She's Gotta Have It, Arabella Weir.

Judges from the footwear industry had already awarded the Middlesbrough branch ten out of ten in all categories assessed for the best family store award : breadth of customer appeal, customer service in a family-orientated shopping environment, value for money and display skills.

The judges noted: "With a strong brand line-up for the whole family and friendly, well-trained staff, business has been booming in its stores and the increase in sales figures is particularly impressive."

The judges also commented: "Since 1924 Charles Clinkard has refused to stand still and now has 18 shops and four concessions. Expansion is always difficult to pull off, but it has done it superbly.

"Adhering to high standards of customer service, strengthening its already-focused product mix and improving visual merchandising are just a few of the many strengths which have made it this year's overall winner."

From small beginnings, the Clinkard Group has grown to be the leading independent footwear retailer in the North-East and is now one of the largest independents in the UK.

"I am really delighted with this award, which recognises the commitment Charles Clinkard stores makes to offering the best quality products to its customers, supported with a high-level of personal service," said Charles Clinkard.

The winning team is seen, right, with Charles Clinkard at the front and behind him, left to right, Jonathan Mankin, group financial director; Toby Hewison, branch operations manager; John Jardine, group merchandise director, and Julie Watson, training manager