An independent travel agency in Norwich is "over the moon" after it was been named the best of its kind in the East of England.

It is the first time Oyster Travel has won the title which was awarded to them by travel publication TTG as part of its Top 50 travel agencies in the UK and Ireland ranking.

The team has more than 170 years of combined experience and has undergone a full rebrand in the last 12 months. 

Norwich Evening News: Sophie Baker (right) built the business 'from the ground up' in 2009 and now co-manages with Vicky Samwell-Buckenham (left)Sophie Baker (right) built the business 'from the ground up' in 2009 and now co-manages with Vicky Samwell-Buckenham (left) (Image: Oyster Travel)

Managing director Vicky Samwell-Buckenham said: “We’re over the moon.

"This was such a tough category and it means so much to see all our hard work rewarded.

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"I want to give credit to our team – it is a pat on the back for their dedication this last year and this is a real milestone moment for us.

"Customers are at the heart of everything. 

Norwich Evening News: The Norwich based agency says that 'customers are the heart of everything'The Norwich based agency says that 'customers are the heart of everything' (Image: Oyster Travel)

"We’ve pushed through difficult times for the travel industry and are now going from strength to strength.

"This award means so much. We’re still just taking it all in.”