STAFF at a North-East branch of high street bank Abbey have been named the best in the UK in recognition of their customer service.

The Darlington branch of Abbey, in High Row, came out top in a survey of 750 of the company’s branches.

The survey was based on a sample of customers’ views and feedback and was conducted by an external agency.

Three of the Darlington team’s 16 staff – Jean Donnelly, Jean Ormerod and Vicki Hunt – were nominated to represent the branch at a gala dinner and presentation, held in Hanbury Manor Hotel, Hertfordshire. The three women picked up the award and were also treated to a day out involving helicopter rides and other activities such as clay pigeon shooting.

Separately, Alli McPhee, of the branch, has been named as being in the top three of Abbey’s 1,500 mortgage advisors across its network. She won a trip to London.

Mike Sowerby, who has been manager of the branch for 16 years, said: “We are really proud to have so many people from our branch recognised nationally at a time when banks are getting quite a lot of bad press.”