STAFF at an upmarket jeweller were over the moon after winning a string of awards at an annual ceremony honouring the best of a city’s shops and restaurants.

Moon Jewellery won a hat-trick of titles at the twelfth annual Durham City Retail Awards, held last night at the Ramside Hall Hotel.

The Silver Street store was named independent retailer of the year, won the retail experience of the year category and also walked off with the prestigious overall retailer of the year award.

Staff picked up their awards at a ceremony attended by Durham County Council Chairman Cllr Bill Kellett, Leader of the council Cllr Simon Henig and the Cabinet member for economic regeneration Cllr Carl Marshall.

The awards, organised by Durham County Council in partnership with the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, see members of the public invited to nominate their favourite shops and other retail outlets as well as those staff who really make a difference.

A shortlist for each category is drawn up, with mystery shoppers sent to the top six in each category to put the shops to the test.

The retailer who receives the most points from the mystery shopper in each category then picks up the overall prize.

Among the other winners on the night were Whittard, which won the Window Of The Year title; technology company Stormfront, which won Small Retailer of the Year and show shop Clarks, which won large retailer of the year.

In the hospitality sector, Tealicious was names Cafe of the Year; Bill’s took the Restaurant of the Year title and The Elm Tree was named Bar of the Year.

In the individual category, Sandra Mackenzie from fashion outlet East was named Retail Person of the Year.

Cllr Carl Marshall, from Durham County Council, said: “These awards were set up to provide everyone with a platform to celebrate the great retail experience we have to offer in Durham City Centre as well as to thank the fantastic staff who provide customers with excellent service.

“In today’s economy, these evenings give us the opportunity to get together, congratulate and thank everyone involved in making Durham City a great destination for all to enjoy.”

Award sponsors included Durham BID, Walkergate, MT Audio Systems, Taste Durham, Durham Markets Company, Durham City Best Bar None and Ramside Hall Hotel.