STAFF at 10 Halifax Estate Agents offices are celebrating their most successful year ever following results that put their area top in the country.

Area manager Steve Smith, whose offices include Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon, Westbury, Warminster, north Wiltshire, Bath and Midsomer Norton, is delighted with the performance of his staff.

"Our offices have achieved an income of more than £2.5m so far and we are still holding our number one position," said Mr Smith.

"There are 370 offices in England and Northern Ireland so it's a great achievement, particularly as results are measured in different sectors of the business, including customer service, profitability, mortgages and banking. All credit must go to staff at the sharp end who have performed consistently well to put us in such a strong position," he said.

Sylvia Laws, estate agency partner at the Calne office puts the success down to hard work, conscientious staff, extensive knowledge of the area and the firm's websites.

"Our websites, www.rightmove.co.uk and halifaxestateagency.co.uk have brought the town to people's attention. It has become a major growth area and the speed at which we can get properties onto the website is a factor in our success," she said.

Staff at all the offices are determined to keep their eyes on the number one spot.

"Last year our area finished third overall. Everyone will be pulling out the stops to keep us top," said Mr Smith.