COMPANIES in Leigh have been celebrated in the borough's annual Good Trader awards.

Ferris Electrical and Ferris Property Maintenance won the Best Trader of the Year award in the town, Gary Sanderson Carpets and Vinyls was Highly Commended and Grimshaw Autos scooped the Best Newcomer accolade.

The Good Trader Scheme was set up in 2008 to promote companies and individuals who are trusted and respected in their field of work and have the commitment to offer quality, value for money and drive to work for local people.

It allows residents an alternative to dealing with uninvited traders and being the victim of doorstep crime.

Director at Grimshaw Autos, Mark Grimshaw, said: “Myself and the staff at Grimshaw Autos are proud to be receiving this award and proud to be part of the Good Trader scheme.

“We would like to thank our customers for their support and we will endeavour to maintain the high standards they expect and deserve.”

Businesses in Wigan also won the same three prizes.

Members of the scheme from different sectors were judged on the quality and volume of customer feedback they have generated in the last year.

It also gave residents an alternative to dealing with uninvited traders and being possible victims of doorstep crime.

Cllr Kevin Anderson, cabinet member for environment at the council, said: “It is extremely important to recognise the traders who work hard to provide a high quality service to residents.

"The Good Trader scheme is a great resource which supports around 200 local businesses and is a key part of The Deal, while at the same time makes it for difficult for rogue traders to take advantage.

“Congratulations to all the winners and runner ups but also not forgetting every single one of our registered traders of the Good Trader Scheme.”

For more information about the Good Trader Scheme visit wigan.gov.uk/goodtrader.