STAFF at Linthorpe Beds proved they are no slouches after helping their company win a prestigious national award.

The company was crowned Independent Retailer of the Year after being judged alongside four other finalists.

Keith Humble who owns Linthorpe Beds with his wife Sandra said: “We’re thrilled with this award and that the effort of every one of our staff has been recognised and we have been judged the best independent retailers in the country.

"Obviously, we couldn’t have done this without the amazing team.

"It’s a tremendous boost to win, especially when looking at the quality of the other entrants. It makes all of the investment of time and money worthwhile.

“This is the first award we have ever entered, and we won! we also celebrated the birth of our first grandchild in the same week, so it was a double celebration."

Linthorpe Beds have stores in Bishop Auckland, Portrack Lane, Stockton and Darlington. They now employ 35 staff, a far cry from their early days in 1990 when their first showroom in Linthorpe Road employed just three members of staff.