THE Hexham branch of the Skipton Building Society has been crowned branch of the year.

The five-strong team who head up the business on Fore Street were in the running for three awards at the company’s annual awards night earlier this month.

Pipped at the post by the branch in Selby, North Yorkshire, in the community/medium branch category, Hexham’s branch manager Sarah Robson never dreamed they would be singled out for the top honour.

“I knew we were in the running in the financial advice category, community/medium branch and overall branch of the year,” said Sarah.

“When Selby won the community/medium branch, I never expected to get the overall title. It’s an amazing achievement and brilliant that the efforts of the whole team are being recognised.”

Judged by leaders within the 95-branch firm, the award for branch of the year looks at customer satisfaction, audit and compliance results and business generated by the branch, as well as fund-raising and community engagement.

A trophy is currently on display in the branch, while Sarah, financial adviser Kevin Fitzjohn, customer review advisers Karen Walton and Jacqui Clark and customer advisor Jessica Robson, have all won a complimentary night away to celebrate.

Sarah said: “We’ve already had so many customers congratulating us, which is lovely, because they are a key part of it all.”