Shoppers cast their votes and now staff from the Mercury Mall’s best shops have walked down the red carpet and received awards at a glitzy ceremony.

Earlier this month the winners of the Mercury Mall 2016 Retailer Awards had their hard work recognised during a ceremony at the de Rougemont Manor, in Brentwood.

Centre manager Sarah De Courcy Rolls said: “In such a competitive climate, it’s easy to get carried away with all the negatives and this is why it’s so important to recognise and reward those that make a difference.

“We love to hear from genuine shoppers about their experiences in our stores.

“Have they received great customer service from a store or individual? Is there a store that just stands out above the crowd? Or a store that makes you smile when you look at it? We want to know.”

Deputy centre manager Spencer Hawken added: “We are proud to see both our retailers and individuals getting a good pat on the back for their hard efforts, and it goes to show, nobody is ever truly just a number, the community really notice”

More than 2,300 customers had cast their votes in the awards.

A special, extra award was presented on the evening.

The Peter Callagher Award, named after a former manager of the mall who died in 2013, is presented to employees of exception.

This year it was won by cleaner Cheryl Philips and mechanical and engineering consultant Bob Toms.

The awards were organised in association with the Romford Recorder, PES an AEJ Facilities Management.