Staff at Cartergate Bed Centre, Newark woke up to national acclaim when the company was crowned bed retailer of the year 2001 by the UK's largest bed manufacturer, Silentnight Beds.

Nine regional finalists attended the annual gala dinner of this high profile trade competition, launched by Silentnight in January 2001 to recognise independent bed retailers who offer outstanding customer service.

Cartergate Bed Centre, has been established for 16 years and employs seven members of staff. The company was voted national winner for its exceptional performance in all aspects of bed retailing including customer service, staff training, advertising and in store promotional activity.

Neil Grayson, director of Cartergate Bed Centre, said: "We are all delighted that our efforts and hard work over the last 12 months have been recognised and rewarded by Silentnight. It is an incredible achievement and has motivated us to work twice as hard to retain the title in next year's awards!"

Cartergate Bed Centre competed against twenty other independent retailers from across the UK for the national title, and was presented with a trophy and cheque for £1000 by Andrew Clark, Managing Director at Silentnight Beds.

Silentnight is the UK's biggest bed manufacturer. Based in Barnoldswick in Lancashire, the company has been making quality divans and mattresses for the last 50 years and is famous for its Miracoil Spring System and Hippo and Duck brand icons.