STAFF at Webbs at Wychbold, near Droitwich, are celebrating success after being officially crowned the best garden centre in the UK for the second year running.

The family-owned firm scooped the top prize of UK Garden Centre of the Year 2008. The title was announced after rigorous inspections by judges from the Garden Centre Association, the organisation representing the best garden retailers in Britain.

Webbs was told it had retained the title of Best Garden Centre in the Midlands before Christmas, but had to wait weeks for the final nail-biting announcement of the overall UK winner.

Executive chairman Ed Webb said the firm was honoured to win the title again, and saw it as a reflection of a huge team effort.

He said: "To win Best Garden Centre in the UK once was a great achievement, to win it for a second year is absolutely fantastic. The competition was fierce, everyone wants to win the title and it is due to the dedication, skill and knowledge of our staff that we achieved it."

Webbs beat about 160 other garden retailers to retain the title. Each year, every GCA member goes through a stringent standards audit where independent inspectors arrive unannounced and judge all aspects of their businesses.

Judges revealed that they chose Webbs because of its helpful staff, excellent signage, being an easy place to shop and attention to detail.

They also praised the philosophy of excellence in all areas by all staff.

Webbs includes the garden centre and beautiful landscaped riverside gardens which are open free to the public.