A FAMILY-run jewellers has scooped a coveted national award at an independent business award ceremony.

David Mellor Jewellers, which has a store in the Chantry Centre, was recognised at the Inspiring Independents Awards ceremony, held at Park Plaza in London last night (Thursday).

The family-run store won in the Best Customer Experience category.

A spokesperson from the jewellers said: "Having been trading for 43 years, accolades such as these are great because they make us look back on how much our business has evolved, from David starting out with a humble market stall in 1976 to now with the entire Mellor family involved; running three busy showrooms, an e-commerce site and a jewellery workshop.

“Our aim is to continue improving our service year-on-year as we wish to provide only the best for our customers – after all, they deserve it for putting up with us for all these years!”

The Inspiring Independents Awards recognises the achievements of achievements of independent businesses from across the UK and Ireland operating in the jewellery and watch sector.

It is organised by Retail Jeweller, a digital and print publication providing news and insight on the jewellery and watch industry.

Retail Jeweller editor Ruth Faulkner said: “Since its inception in 2014, Inspiring Independents has grown to become one of the most important events in the industry’s calendar because of its recognition of the healthy independent sector we are still fortunate enough to have in this trade.

“In so many other industries, independent retailers from grocers to opticians and off licenses to pharmacies have disappeared from our high street, subsumed by larger chains, franchises or symbol groups.

“However, in jewellery, independent family businesses are what makes our sector so unique and it is important to recognise the hard work and passion of these businesses and the people who work in them.

“Yes, the high street is a challenging place to be at the minute, but we still have much to be proud of and to celebrate and I would like to thank each and every independent jewellery retailer for everything they do to keep our high streets diverse places to shop.”