AN auction house can boast it is the best outside London after winning a top industry award.

Tennants of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, took first prize at the British Antiques and Collectable Awards ceremony at the capital's Dorchester Hotel.

Senior director Rodney Tennant was not there to collect the trophy himself.

"I asked one of the staff from our Harrogate office if they would like to go, as the ceremony always falls at a time of year when we are really busy.

"I didn't realise we were really in the running as invitations go out to everyone," he explained.

Mr Tennant said he was proud of the achievement and of his staff.

"It recognises the time and commitment of all my colleagues in the delivery of an outstanding service. Additionally, it recognises the investment we have made over the past ten years as we look forward to the continuing expansion of our company," he said