A Claygate fishmonger has proved the plaice to be, after it was named independent retailer of the year by Elmbridge Council.

Residents were invited to tell the council throughout April who their favourite independent retails were, with six winning categories in total.

Williams & Bunkell, of The Parade, Claygate, was awarded the best independent retail in Elmbridge.

Owner Matthew Clift has worked at the shop since the age of 15 and bought the shop from his boss in 2009.

Mr Clift said: “This award means a great deal to me, because it shows the appreciation my customers have for the shop and the effort that we put in to provide an excellent service for them.”

Claygate also picked up the award for best shop display, which was awarded to Ceramica, the paint-your-own ceramics studio, also in The Parade.

Winners in other categories came from across the borough.

Zebra, of Church Street, Walton, won the best customer service award while the Naked Grocer, in Bridge Street, won the award for greatest contribution to the community.

Fashion retailer Evie Loves Toast in Holly Parade, Cobham, picked up the award for most innovative retailer and Little Pete, in Church Street, Weybridge, was named best newcomer.

Councillor Christine Cross, cabinet member for community development, said: “Hundreds of votes were received which just goes to show how much the independents mean to Elmbridge residents.

“This competition has given us a snapshot of what great businesses the borough has to offer. We hope that through this competition, it will encourage the community to spend more locally.

“We are blessed to have such a wide range of high quality shops but more residents need to use them before they are lost forever.”