The Wingham Chamber of Commerce organised the awards to celebrate the best in local business, revealing the winners at its annual general meeting.

Emerton’s Retravision, Wingham, closed in July but this did not stop voters from paying tribute to its manager, known by customers as Pete.

Pete was named best sales person and Retravision also picked up the gong for best after sales service.

He was overwhelmed by the dual win and took the opportunity to thank his customers, who he holds as friends.

“I’d like to thank everyone who voted,” Pete said.

“Thanks to all my loyal customers; it’s good to know I’m appreciated.”

The best presented business section generated the most votes by far and it was won decisively by the Gloucester Road service station, Neumann.

Operators Pauline Titterton and Cindy Oller took over the service station in September and anyone who has seen it will know how much work the two have put into transforming it.

The service station has received a complete facelift including a paint-job both inside and out and new flooring, air-conditioning, a garden and seating areas.

Pauline accepted the award for Neumann. She praised the chamber for the awards initiative and commended the other nominees.

The best secretary or receptionist award was claimed by Kylene Ryan of Manning Valley and Area Community Transport Group, also known as Community Transport, Wingham.

The chamber planned to run a judged section for the awards but it was deemed too difficult to decide on a winner fairly because there were only 10 entries.

However, of this 10, one business stood out from the others so the chamber decided to award a special prize.

The Valley Veterinary Hospital was this exceptional entrant and it received the best overall business award.