EMPLOYEES at a Bolton bank are celebrating after being named the best NatWest branch in the country.

Staff at the Deansgate branch of the hight street bank have won a national NatWest competition, which recognised their outstanding customer service.

They picked up the NatWest Platinum Service award after getting the top rating of any branch in the UK from a company questionnaire, filled out by customers.

Janet Pearson, manager of the Deansgate branch, said: "When you work so hard as a team to deliver a quality service, it's great to receive an award, but it means so much more because it is our customers' comments that have put the branch in the top spot."

Mark Eccleston, a Paralympic wheelchair tennis silver medallist, presented Janet with the award at a special ceremony. attended by NatWest's regional directors.