STOURPORT-based contractor, Thomas Vale Construction, earned a prestigious industry award, beating off stiff competition.

The company's success came in the Contract Journal magazine awards, in which it was shortlisted with Kier Group and Taylor Woodrow.

Best practice, training, innovation and excellence in British construction were qualities judges in the competition looked for, with entries submitted before the presentation night at London's Grosvenor Hotel.

The judging panel of specialist construction industry experts said Thomas Vale's win was "down to a demonstration of commitment to developing personnel through training and employee services."

They added: "We were unanimous in placing Thomas Vale first."