Coach travel expert and florist Julie Herbert scooped the top Pride in Thanet Award at a special presentation evening at The Pavilion, Broadstairs, on Monday March 17.

Judges selected Julie, of Carol Peters Travel, Westgate, who also won the Pride Award transport employee category for the second year running, for her outstanding customer service.

Julie said: "These are important awards and I was absolutely amazed to win the top prize. It is so lovely that people have taken the time to nominate me."

Since winning a Pride in Thanet Award last year Julie has been using her customer service skills not only at Carol Peters Travel but also at Carol Peters Flowers, which she helped launch a few months ago.

"I'm not sure I do anything that special - it's just what comes naturally. I enjoy listening to my customers and helping them achieve their goals. It doesn't take much to smile and if you work with your customers and colleagues they keep coming back to your business," she added.

The awards were presented by explorer and geographer Nicholas Crane, from the popular BBC series Coast, Great British Journeys and Map Man, and local radio presenter Johnny Lewis.