A PASSIONATE wedding shop team say it is a privilege to help people to prepare for "the best day of their lives" after scooping a national award for their work.

Abigail's Collection and The Grooms Room, based in Colchester, was presented with the Bridal Independent of the Year title at this year's Drapers Independent awards.

The business serves hundreds of customers every year and the team say they often find the bride and groom want to shop under one roof.

Rob Neill, business partner and husband to owner Abigail, said: "We have a very special wedding retail concept, we offer exclusive VIP appointments for every customer at every appointment.

"It's a really exciting time for us as a business. This year we have achieved so much despite the much-publicised retail doom and gloom."

Business founder Abigail, 43, added: "This is a phenomenal achievement for us and a dream come true.

"We’re very blessed to have built an awesome bridal and menswear business, it’s very a personal and private retail space and we strive to ensure our customers feel really special.

"Together my husband Rob and I employ an incredibly dedicated, passionate and hard working team.

"Our customers are our absolute focus and we love what we do, helping our customers plan for the biggest day of their lives is a privilege and despite the long hours it’s an amazing and very rewarding business to be in - we all feel this way."

The awards celebrate the achievements of the best independent fashion retailers from across the country.

Abigail's Collection has now scooped 28 awards since the business launched in 2005.