BENTS Garden Centre in Glazebury has again been acknowledged as the best in the country, taking the honours for Best Garden Retailer at the third annual Britains Best Retailer Awards.

Bents was recognised as a Gold Winner in the Garden Retailer category, beating off competition from garden retailers based throughout the UK.

The awards, which are hosted by DIY Week, Hardware & Garden Review and Housewares Magazine, recognise Britains best retailers from a number of different categories including Best New Retail Business and Best Retail Training Initiative. Gold Awards are presented to each outright winner with a number of Silver Awards given in each category.

Bents was presented with its Gold Award by the BBC TV presenter Kate Silverton at the gala dinner and celebration which was held at the Manchester Midland Hotel.

Judges said: "Bents is a hugely impressive business which sets itself high standards in everything it does," a comment which was emphasised by the Centres Retail Director Matthew Bent.

Said Matthew: "Each year the Garden Centre Association carries out a very detailed inspection of every area of the centre, including all our departments and people and then presents us with a breakdown of their findings.

"This not only shows us where our strengths and successes are, but it also indicates areas for improvement, which is something we are always willing to take on board.

"We focus on these areas of the business and ensure standards improve year on year; an approach which has been rewarded by this latest accolade."