The ladies at Gladrags Fashion celebrated in vocal style as their efforts over the past 12 months were recognised with a Retailer of the Year Award.

Based in Heritage Close, the St Albans branch opened in 1985 and has since strived to live up to its customer service inspired motto: “nothing is too much trouble.”

On Monday night it fended of stiff competition from its city rivals to claim the coveted first place award.

Owner Alex Barry said: “It feels amazing to win. It is never easy as an independent retailer to keep going in these hard times so it is wonderful that we have been recognised like this. It feels really nice that our customers have supported us in this way.

“There’ll be no stopping us next year.”