FOR the second year running, Connells' Basingstoke branch has been named the best estate agency in Hampshire in the Daily Mail UK Property Awards.

Branch manager Adrian Allen was presented with the award for the Basingstoke team at a glittering ceremony hosted by former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, at the London Marriott Hotel.

Mr Allen said: "To have won this award two years in a row is a tremendous achievement and a great credit to everyone in the branch."

He added: "We are constantly trying to innovate and improve the marketing and service that we offer to our customers and it is a real accolade to have our hard work and professionalism recognised by this award."

A panel of judges, which included some senior figures from the National Association of Estate Agents, awarded marks for staff experience, training and qualifications, the range of services offered, quality and variety of marketing material and innovative ways of doing business.

Connells' winning ways were topped up by testimonials from happy customers.