A HOUSEBUILDER responsible for several new estates in north Swindon has been voted the best builder in the country.

KingsOak Homes is building the Aspire development in Priory Vale at the moment and was named Best National Builder at this year's British Housebuilder of the Year competition. Around 50,000 questionnaires were sent out to homeowners who were quizzed on standards of customer service, design and whether they would buy another house from the same builder.

KingsOak Homes came out on top and also won several other awards including a gold for service. The south-west division of KingsOak was awarded silver in the 251-500 units category.

This accolade comes after the same division won gold in the Best Regional Office category in the 2004 awards.

These are the latest in a string of awards won by the company recently, including accolades for product design and quality of construction.

KingsOak regional chairman Paul Gieron said: "We're delighted to succeed in the British Housebuilder of the Year awards, which are highly coveted because they are judged by homebuyers.

"They are recognition of our determination to achieve the highest standards of customer service, plus the choice and quality of the homes we offer.

"They are a tribute to the skills and efforts of KingsOak teams across the country. I was honoured to receive it on their behalf."