The sixth year of the celebratory Top of the Shops awards saw a large number of high class Poole retailers competing for the honours.

The best of the town’s shops were rewarded at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held at the Quay Thistle Hotel.

“This year proved exceptionally difficult to pick the winners as the standards were so high,” said Mandy Payne from Retail Resource Dorset, whose team “mystery shopped” the entrants.

Nevertheless Pilot in the Dolphin Shopping Centre and Broadstone based Forum Jewellers, walked away with Best Overall Retailer for multiples and independents respectively.

More than 100 retailers and representatives from across the town enjoyed the awards ceremony, hosted by Daily Echo editor Neal Butterworth and Wave 105 breakfast presenter Steve Power.

Nearly 70 retailers threw their hats into the ring for the Poole Town Centre Management awards which ranged from best window display to best security.

Jonathan Sibbett, chairman of PTCM and director at sponsors Sibbett Gregory said: “Local shops are right at the heart of Poole and play an essential part in every thriving local community.

“Top of the Shops recognises and rewards the dedication demonstrated by Poole’s retailers who provide great services for their customers.”

Other sponsor were Borough of Poole’s economic development and Breeze Volkswagen whose managing director John Corderoy said: “The awards offer a tremendous opportunity to highlight the high retail standards that exist in Poole and the evening provides the ideal platform to recognise retailers’ hard work and commitment to Poole’s growth and economy.”