IT was a night packed full of celebration as the Grays Shopping Centre held its annual retailer awards.

As the festivities coincided with the Queen’s “Official Birthday” the event had a right royal theme.

Bruce Game as Queen front man Freddie Mercury opened the event, creating the perfect atmosphere for the awards ceremony.

Over 2,000 votes were received – collected from an on-site survey, Facebook poll and the shops themselves.

Kris Weeks, manager of the Grays Shopping, said: “The Retailer Awards acknowledge the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment of the people who work in the centre. It is this dedication that continues to keep Grays Shopping Centre at the Heart of the Community,” Winners included:

Best Independent – A1 Shoes

Best Value for Money – QDs

Best Visual Merchandising – Holland & Barrett

Best Customer Service – Max Spielmann

Best Centre Staff – Simon Milton

Best Small Retailer – Card Factory

Best Big Retailer - Wilko