STAFF at estate agents Dale Eddison are celebrating after the firm was voted the best estate agent in the United Kingdom.

The company beat off competition from rivals across the country in the Estate Agent of the Year Awards, held in London last week with TV personality Phil Spencer presenting the prizes.

And Dale Eddison, which has offices in Skipton, Ilkley, Silsden, Otley and Guiseley, took gold in the 'best local agency' group as well as 'best estate agent in Yorkshire and the Humber.'

Director William Eddison said: "To say we are absolutely delighted is an understatement! "We are a very happy bunch indeed. These are awards based on genuine customer surveys which indicate real levels of satisfaction, so it's extremely gratifying that we are getting it right.

"We have always prided ourselves on going the extra mile for our clients as we believe that is what really makes the difference."

The company, which employs 37 staff in its five offices, was formed in 1991 by William Eddison and Bill Dale as an independent firm of chartered surveyors and estate agents.

It then merged with the Jonathan Barraclough practice in Guiseley in 1994, before opening an Otley office in 2007 and further offices in Silsden and Ilkley followed in 2012.

Its Skipton office, run by Amanda May, was opened at the beginning of January this year.

And the firm's success in this year's 12th annual Estas awards is not the first time Dale Eddison has been a winner - it has also taken the 'best estate agent in Yorkshire and Humberside' and 'best small chain in the UK' awards in 2010, 2011 and 2012.