A Winchester service excellence awards scheme has proved so successful that councils in other parts of England are interested in taking it up.

The scheme will also be extended into the next millennium so that shoppers will have the chance to nominate any business or organisation in the city that provides them with an excellent level of service.

Scheme co-ordinator Richard Nash has received more than 300 nominations for 40 businesses since the scheme started in June.

Nomination forms have also been sent in from as far away as America and France.

Each monthly winner is awarded a special certificate to display in their shop or business. Home Sweet Home, a family-run delicatessen, and Eccolet, a shoe shop on the High Street were the first shops to win the accolade.

But the awards scheme does not rely on nominations alone.

"Mystery" shoppers are deployed to confirm the high levels of service. Mr Nash said: "We are trying to promote excellent service in the city centre, not just in shops, but in businesses and local government as well.

"The importance of the award comes from the fact that satisfied customers take the trouble to nominate service providers.''

He added that all local businesses had welcomed the initiative because the award is seen as a public recognition of their investment in staff training.

"Businesses are pleased that the scheme fits in with the image of Winchester," he said.

Other councils in the country, like Torquay in Devon, are said to be keen to copy the scheme. To nominate a business or service that you think deserves recognition, fax a nomination form to Richard Nash on 01962 850383.

The forms are available in shops throughout the city.

Mr Nash can also be contacted by phoning 01962 850390.

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