A NATIONAL award has been claimed for a third consecutive year by North Yorkshire and East Riding estate agent Chris Clubley & Co.

The firm, which has five branches across the region, was awarded the 2015 Best Agent in Yorkshire title by the Relocation Agent Network, which represents 600 estate agents across the UK.

Judges said the title was awarded to the Chris Clubley team in recognition of its "contribution to the network, their ability to achieve customer satisfaction, a strong market share locally, and a proven record of helping relocating buyers move both in and out of the area".

Mr Clubley said: "To win this award once is tremendous, but to achieve it three years in a row is absolutely brilliant.

"All credit must go to my fantastic team, many of whom have been with me for years and who have worked their way up to become skilled and accredited negotiators, auctioneers, managers and directors."

The estate agency has five branches, the first of which was established in Market Weighton in 1989, followed by offices in Brough, Pocklington, Stamford Bridge and now Beverley.

The company was handpicked to be a member of the Relocation Agent Network, based on criteria such as quality of service, local knowledge and professionalism.

One of the Chris Clubley team, 22 year-old Louise Overton, was a finalist in the Network’s employee of the year award. She is office manager at the estate agency’s new branch in Beverley, and is helping younger colleagues such as 19 year-old Mike Anthony, a former York College student, who like her, took advantage of a work experience placement at the estate agency, and is now based in Chris Clubley’s Stamford Bridge office.

Mr Clubley said: "We welcome school leavers with an interest in estate agency work. The injection of young blood into the company is good for business because it helps to build contact with the younger generation in our community.

"We are seeing increased instructions from younger people in both sales and rentals and an improved introduction rate to our financial services arms. Also, Louise’s example shows our younger members what can be achieved with dedication and hard work."