The finest retailers and restaurants in the town were celebrated at the glitzy ceremony of the Reading Retail Awards.

Hundreds of representatives from the creme de la creme of the town's shops and eateries were joined by dignitaries who all eagerly awaited the results of the sixth annual awards ceremony.

The three course dinner and dance was held at the Hilton Hotel, Drake Way, with ITV Meridian presenter Sangheeta Bhabra handing out the accolades as JACKfm's morning show presenter Neal Veglio compared the evening.

Four of the 12 awards were solely nominated by the public with another eight self nominations from businesses and shops in the town.

A panel of judges determined the winners with the retailer of the year being selected from all the thousands of entries.

Sir John Madjeski and MP Rob Wilson took time to mingle with some of the town's finest workers.

Sir John said he was thrilled to celebrate Reading's success and said: "I think everybody had a great time, it's a very positive occasion for Reading, celebrating the expertise and excellence that exists in the town, in both the retail industry and the food industry.

The Reading FC co-chairman also featured on a short video, along with all the awards sponsors, that was played to the audience on Saturday before the awards were announced.

It was Topman, Topshop and Miss Selfridge of the Arcadia Group, received the top gong this year and were given the trophy by last year's winners Becky and Darrell Ottery, owners of Eclectic Games, Market Place.

Damien Carphey, Topman's deputy manager, said: "We are just so excited. We had absolutely no idea that this was going to happen.

Mr Wilson, who was sitting at a table alongside Mr Madjeski during the three course banquet, said: "The Reading Retails Awards are an important night for the town because it showcases the talent and best practice that makes Reading a regional shopping centre.

"I really enjoy the evening and supporting all those dedicated organisations, both big and small, that are part of a thriving sector.

"I would like to see a wider business awards night take off at some point in the future, to recognise the other brilliant businesses and people we have making a town a great place to work."

Matt Siatadan owner of Mya Lacarte, in Prospect Street, Caversham, that won the prestigious My Favourite Restaurant award said the competition was going from strength to strength.

"I just want to thank the Reading Retail Awards for hosting and organising this kind of event."