Independent high street travel agency in Shrewsbury has been named as one of the best agencies in the UK & Ireland.

Peakes Travel Elite was honoured at a travel industry agent awards ceremony, TTG Top 50, picking up the award for the Top Travel Agency in Central England for the third year in a row. They form part of a power-list of the best agents in the British Isles by industry bible the Travel Trade Gazette.

The TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies list was revealed in a glittering ceremony in Birmingham after an extensive judging process, which saw agencies be rated by tour operators and other suppliers, and then assessed by travel trade journalists.

TTG group editor Pippa Jacks said: “Now in its third year, our Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative has seen us scour the UK and Ireland to uncover its most dedicated and dynamic travel agency businesses.

“It's been truly inspiring to hear how these agencies go above and beyond on a daily basis, to deliver extraordinary service and incredible value to their customers, and to support their local communities.

“Our winners demonstrate that high street travel retailing in 2018 is a vibrant and successful business sector, and that the future is bright for exceptional agencies like these."

Peakes Travel Elite has been a fixture on Shrewsbury’s high street since 1995. It has thrived under the ownership of the Frances Peake and Claire Moore, and operates at the heart of the community.

Judges said of Peakes Travel Elite: "With a combined total of 202 years' experience between them, the team at this agency has incredibly strong product knowledge and expertise. We were impressed to see the store has pushed to develop and win new business in the last year, while also finding time to raise money for local causes."

Claire Moore says: “We are thrilled to have won this award and would like to thank all our loyal customers who have helped us achieve this. We are passionate about all aspects of travel and this award is testament to the hard work and dedication of all our staff who bring those to life for our customers.”

The shortlisting stage was undertaken by a panel of 60 travel suppliers including airlines, tour operators and car hire providers, who rated hopeful agencies according to their business performance, customer service and innovation. To decide which shortlisted agencies made it into the Top 50 list, a TTG journalist visited or interviewed each shortlisted agency to carry out an assessment.