MARATHON world record holder Paula Radcliffe presented lettings specialist Belvoir with a gold medal of their own.

The nationwide firm, which has branches in Worcester and Evesham, was named best franchise lettings agency of 2015 at the Lettings Agency of the Year Awards.

It scooped the accolade for the fourth year running and even made it five wins overall, having reached top spot in 2010 also.

Melanie Carter, who owns Belvoir Evesham, said: “I am sure this is an unprecedented run of success in what is widely recognised as the toughest awards scheme in our industry.

"My staff and I are thrilled and extremely proud with the achievement – and it is a reflection of the hard work that goes into maintaining the highest of standards of service provided for our local landlord, tenant and buy-to-let property investor clients."

Run in association with the Sunday Times and Times and sponsored by Zoopla, this year’s awards were staged at the Lancaster London Hotel.

In naming Belvoir as the gold winner, judges said: “Belvoir is perpetually successful in this category, due in part to its continual investment in its audit team which keeps standards consistently high, but also because of the outstanding support and training given to franchise owners which helps them to grow successful businesses.”

Dorian Gonsalves, commercial director of Belvoir, said: “This is a huge tribute to the Belvoir Evesham team, who uphold all the exacting standards and brand values of our business and I offer them my warmest congratulations.

“These awards are the longest running in the industry and were set up to recognise and reward best practice in our industry.

"This year the judging and scrutiny of all entrants was more robust than ever and we are incredibly proud to have been honoured once more for the service we provide.”