SIX successful Bromsgrove businesses have won first place prizes in the national 'Best of' Business Awards.

An impressive 22 companies from across the town qualified to take part in this year's awards, which recognises businesses for their hard work and customer service, after each achieving 12 testimonials by December last year.

The firms were then encouraged to get as many good customer reviews as possible, with each counting as a vote in the competition, by the end of January.

Qualifying companies were automatically entered into their relevant national category, and placed in the running for the top spot on the Bromsgrove business leader board.

Broad Street DIY won first prize in the home improvement category, Eyedeal Eyecare in the opticians category and GJH Electrical for electrical services.

In the painters and decorators group, Waldron Decorators came out on top, and John Clapham IFA beat its competitors for best financial services.

Singletons Nurseries were the sixth Bromsgrove business to scoop a top prize, after receiving the most positive reviews in the garden centres and nurseries group.

An impressive 887 votes also left the firm in first place on the Bromsgrove leader board and in second place for the country's best business overall.

Company owner Claire Singleton said: "As a family run business since 1947, we are extremely pleased to receive this award and to be proud members of The Best of Bromsgrove. We would like to thank all our customers for their support."

Five other local businesses achieved second place in their national categories, including Acer Trees, Big Splash Communications, Clent Hills Vets, Cupitt Jeweller and Willowbrook Garden Centre.

Lyndon Stokes, who has run the 'Best of' Bromsgrove group for three years, said: "There were some truly great achievements from local businesses in this years’ awards. It was great to see so many win top placements nationally. The results really are testament to the high standard of customer service and the quality product offering of those Bromsgrove based businesses which took part. Well done all."