A SOUTH Lakeland property developer has secured a prestigious award after earning glowing praise from its customers.

Robert Hughes Ltd was one of four firms from across the country to receive a commendation in the Customer First Awards, which are open to house builders.

The Kendal-based firm rubbed shoulders with some of the industry's biggest names, including overall national winner, the Berkeley Group, at the presentation ceremony in London.

Former England rugby union coach Sir Clive Woodward gave a keynote speech, talking about how skilful management can enable a team to achieve world class results, and presented the prizes.

Zurich Building Guarantee asked all its home warranty policyholders to rate their home-buying experience and the level of customer service offered by builders. The results were then analysed to find firms rated above the national average.

Awards were also based on the views of Zurich's team of building surveyors who inspected each firm's work, as well as the number of claims made against building guarantees.

Customers rated Robert Hughes Ltd above the national average in every category, and the firm had not had a single claim made against the building guarantee in the three years it had been a member of the scheme.

Chairman Robert Hughes said his firm was awarded the commendation for the region covering the north of England and Scotland, and added: "I am delighted that our purchasers hold us in such high esteem."

Formed three years ago, Robert Hughes Ltd specialises in top-of-the-range homes and has developed a number of small-scale projects in the Winster Valley, Brigsteer and Bowland Bridge.

The firm's largest development was at Hampsfield House in Grange-over-Sands, a Victorian mansion that was converted into ten apartments.

Robert Hughes Ltd is currently building 14 houses at Windermere Marina. The firm has five office staff and a 30-strong dedicated construction workforce, as well as a number of local sub-contractors such as plumbers and electricians. Up to 65 people work on the firm's building sites at any one time.