The chairman of East Anglian travel agent Premier Travel has been honoured with a prestigious lifetime achievement industry award.

Renford Sargent received an Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award at the annual Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards – the biggest celebration of the travel trade in the UK.

Renford has worked in the travel industry for 50 years, starting out as a trainee travel clerk for Premier in 1965 before becoming manager of the former Rose Crescent branch in Cambridge. He climbed his way up the ladder to become group director in 1982.

Along with Peter Andrews, Renford bought the Cambridge-based business in the mid-1980s. The pair remain the owners of the company, with Renford as chairman of the Premier Group.

Renford said: “To be honoured by my peers for this award is a highlight of my career. It is a double celebration for the whole of the Premier Group, as we continue to celebrate our 80th anniversary this year.”

Renford was presented with the award at a glittering awards ceremony at London’s Park Plaza Westminster hotel on July 13.

Premier Travel has 17 branches across East Anglia and this year celebrates 80 years in business.