SHOE shop staff were treated to the trip of a lifetime as a reward for achieving a big increase in sales.

Hotter Shoes shop, in Elephant Yard, Kendal, earned the award for its performance in the competition, which ran over six months and measured both sales and commitment to customer service.

Proprietors Tom and Laura Powney, and shop manager Zoe Nelson, joined 40 other shoe retailers from the UK, Ireland and America for a trip to Cape Town, which included wine tasting in South African vineyards, a boat trip to Robbin island and a visit to the Cape of Good Hope.

"We have been delighted with Hotter Shoes' Kendal shop's performance. They have demonstrated a real passion for customer service and it is heartening that this can be found right through the shop's team," said sales director Adam Charlampowicz.

"Taking time to find the correct shoe, care with fitting and advice about how to look after footwear, are all part of what makes Hotter Comfort Concept a special experience for customers.

"We place a premium on customer service and Hotter Shoes Kendal Shop has proved that they wow' their customers from the moment they walk through the door."