AN ETHICAL investment firm in Darlington has been voted best independent financial adviser at a national awards ceremony.

The Ethical Investment Co-operative, of Vincent House, Victoria Road, won the title at the consumer finance awards. Readers of national newspapers and magazines voted in the contest, which recognised excellent customer service.

Mr Ian Harland, one of the co-operative's directors, said: "These awards were the first ever conducted by national newspapers and are now arguably the most sought after service award in the industry.

"We are delighted to receive the award, since it is based on customer feedback. Particularly pleasing was the highest score we received for whether clients would recommend us to their friends and family.

"We are also encouraged that a firm like ours, which adopts the same ethical principles in our practice as the ethical investments we promote, can be identified and supported by the consumer, as recognised by this award."

He described it as a stunning result of David and Goliath proportions, saying: "We were up against some of the big firms."

Mr Harland, who lives in Richmond, grew up in Houghton-le-Spring and attended Ferryhill school. After graduating from Newcastle polytechnic, he entered the financial services sector in 1979.

"During the mid 1990s, I spent a lot of time in London. I had a general feeling that things were not right within the industry. We thought the time was right to set up our own company."

The co-operative was formed in 1996 and now has branches in York, Leeds, Sheffield and Edinburgh.

Mr Harland's colleagues in Darlington are his wife, Jenny, Mrs Judith Nellist, Mr Tony Webb and Mr Andy Woodman, another director.

Clients include private individuals, who may pay £50 into a monthly savings plan, and investment firms which can put £3m in ethical businesses.

When recommending pensions, unit trusts or investment bonds to clients, businesses' ethical profiles are considered along with financial objectives and performance, investment risks and tax situations. Profiles are based on information provided every six months by the Ethical Investment Research Information Service.