Established Isle of Wight business, W. Hurst & Son, has been named the UK’s favourite local business in a poll by Town and City Gift Cards.

Thousands of entries were received but it was the six-branch Island firm that took the top spot.

It received more than 500 votes and wins £500 in Town & City Gift Cards, which its staff will share.

Managing director Jevon Kennedy said: "There’s a real sense of pride at receiving this amazing accolade as the UK’s favourite local business. I can’t tell you how pleased I am."

Isle of Wight County Press: The W H Hurst and Son team on the Isle of Wight.The W H Hurst and Son team on the Isle of Wight. (Image: W H Hurst and Son.)

W. Hurst & Son on the Isle of Wight

W. Hurst & Son was established in 1859.

It moved into its flagship store in Newport in 1886 and has stayed ever since

After 1960, it expanded to Ventnor, Ryde, Cowes, Freshwater and Shanklin

Mr Kennedy added: "Customers must have heard that we were up for the award and were calling up our stores asking how to vote for us."

"One thing we have done...is to maintain our old fashioned values.

"Our role at Hurst is to give friendly, helpful service, and that’s our mission as a company - to put customers first."

He added: "We’d like to say how much we appreciate every person who took the time to nominate us.

"Every word, every comment, means the world to us. We’re so proud and thankful, and will continue to do the best for our community here on the Isle of Wight."

Isle of Wight County Press: The W H Hurst and Son team.The W H Hurst and Son team. (Image: W H Hurst and Son.)

Lyn Humphrey was among those to nominate the company and it won her a £500 Wight Gift Card.

She said: "They are all Island people and they give helpful service.

"It might sound like a basic thing, but it really isn’t.

"When people are friendly, it makes such a difference."

Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for levelling up, regeneration, business development and tourism, Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, said she was proud of the firm's achievement.

Cllr Jones-Evans said: "They go above and beyond to support the community, getting involved in charity events and activities, becoming a drop off point for the Isle of Wight Food Bank and giving customers from the Island and across the UK award winning service."