A Suffolk opticians branch has been recognised as the UK’s best independent practice. Observatory the Opticians in Southwold was among the winners at the national Optician Awards, held at the Vox Centre, Birmingham.

The Independent Practice of the Year category, which the company’s Beccles practice also won in 2014, takes into account factors including the quality and diversity of products, the level of customer satisfaction and dedication to continued improvement.

Observatory’s flagship practice in Muswell Hill, north London, was also named Fashion Practice of the Year, an accolade it previously won in 2010.

Jacqui Sayer, practice manager at Observatory the Opticians, said: “We are absolutely thrilled and very proud to have been named as the UK’s Independent Practice of the Year; this is a wonderful achievement for a small country practice.

“We’ve put a lot of effort into our shop in the past year, renovating the interiors and expanding the frame range. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to offer the people of Southwold the very highest standard of optical care and whilst we remain humble we do believe this award is very much deserved.”